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CBERO,  M.  D- 


A.  ' 


LIBRARY 

OF   THK 

UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA 


Accession    TOO  class 


(HE  FALSE  AND  THE  TRUE: 

A    PSYCHIC    PHANTAIMAOORJA 

OF   THE 

RESURRECTION 

IN     EPIC      VERSE 

WITH     SUB-HEADINGS,    ILLUSTRATIONS    AND 
COMMENTS 

BY 
JOHN   ULRICK   OBERG,   M.  D 

AUTHOR    AND   PUBLISHKR 


BERKELEY,  CALIFORNIA 

19O2 


COPYRIGHTED     JULY,     19O1 


Carruth  &  Carruth,  Printers 
Oakland,    Oil. 


THE  CONTENTS. 

Salutation  by  the  Author 5 

Dedication 6 

Preface 13 

Introduction .- 22 

THE  FALJE,  AND  THE  TRUE. 

PART  I. 
THE  AUTHOR'S  RELIGIOUS  FAITH  AND  TRAINING. 

CHAPTBR  PAGE 

ist  —Creation,  Fall,  and  Plans  of  Salvation 25 

2nd— The  Birth  and  Life  of  the  Redeemer 36 

3rd — His  Persecution,  Death,  Resurrection  and  As 
cension  39 

4th — Redemption  Finished,  but  God's  Dissatisfaction 

with  Man.    The  Coming  of  Judgment 44 

5th— Childhood's  Faith 46 

PART  II. 
THE  PHANTASMAGORIA. 

6th— Growth,  Life  and  Travels 48 

7th — A  Scene  of  Resurrection  and  Judgment 54 

PART  III. 
THE  EXPLANATIONS  OF  THE  SCENES. 

8th — How  Teachers  Answer  Rational  Thought 60 

9th — Nature's  Explanations  of  the  Phantasmagoria.    62 

loth  — How  Creation  Comes  About 67 

nth — How  the  Fall,  Condemnation  and  Redemption 

Comes  About 69 

1 2th— The  Relation  One  Man  Holds  Toward  Another. 
The  True  Resurrection,  Judgment,  Condem 
nation  and  Redemption 86 

PART    IV. 

THE  SEED  OF  EDUCATION. 
1 3th — Early   Education  and   Its  Effect  on    After-life 

When  in  Conflict  with  Truth 91 

1 4th — From  Whence  Comes  Revelation 98 

PART   V. 
PARAGRAPH         CORROBORATIVE  COMMENTS.  PAGE 

i — The  Constellations  of  all  Cult  Lores 100 

2— The  Sacred  Numbers :  12,  i,  5,  7  and  13 100 


100135 


PARAGRAPH  PAGE 

3 -The  Cube 102 

4 — The   Four  Women  Marking  the  Seasons   Con 
tained  in  all  Cults 104 

5 — The  Sacred  Number  Two 108 

6 — Evolution 109 

7— The  Center  Numbers  in  the  Mysteries:  i,  5  and  7  no 

8— The  Edenic  Periods 112 

9— The  Devil  and  the  Serpent 115 

10— Why  Each  Cult  Has  a  Serpent 117 

1 1— The  Deluge 1 18 

12 — The  Causes  for  the  Flood 1 18 

13— The  Moon's  Birth 119 

14— A  Better  Reason  for  the  Flood 120 

1 5 — The  Turning  of  the  Poles 121 

i6-What  They  Have  Found  at  the  Poles . 123 

17 — What  They  May  Find  at  the  Poles 125 

1 8— The  Sacred  Holy  Days 126 

19 — Passover  and  Lord's  Supper 127 

20 — Which  is  the  Sabbath  Day 127 

21— Baptismal  Rites 133 

22— Arks,  Altars,  Priests,  Prophets  and  Wizards.  .  .  133 

23 — From  Whence  and  Where  to  ? 135 

24— A  Golden  Image 136 

25— The  Abode  of  the  Soul 137 

26— The  Golden  Rules 137 

27 — The  Saviors 138 

28  -Conflicting  Forces 141 

29 — Job's  Constellations 142 

30 — Job,  Satan,  Gabriel,  and  the  Asar  Gods 143 

31  -  The  Battle  of  the  Gods 145 

32 — Grave,  Hell  and  Resurrection 155 

33— If  Man  Dies,  Shall  He  Live  Again  ? 157 

34  -  Life' s  Pathways  from  Cradle  to  Tomb 1 6 1 

35— The  Cause  and  Origin  of  Santa  Claus 167 

CHARTS  AND  EXPLANATIONS  OF  CHARTS. 

ist— The  False  and  the  True 78 

2nd— Odin's  Wheel 82,  147 

3rd— The  Lamb  on  the  Cross 138 

4th— The  Cross  and  Six  Constellations  Having  12  Satellites 

Moving  Around  a  Center 70 

5th — Six  Cult  Lores  Having  Women  for  Seasons 103 


SALUTATION. 

You,  dear  reader,  we  kindly  salute 

With  deepest  heart-love,  in  rhyme. 
A  mystic  key  we  here  contribute: 

Take  it,  and  use  it  in  time! 
If  you  are  wrong,  you  suffer  defeat, 

'Though  you  the  victory  gain; 
If  you  are  right,  you  victory  meet, 

Although  you  thereby  are  slain. 


DEDICATION   AND   ADVICE. 

Whereas,  all  mankind,  when  possessing  anything  of 
value,  desire  to  leave  their  wealth  to  their  dearest  friends 
and  relatives,  we  have,  therefore,  resolved  to  do  likewise. 

The  wealth  we  wish  to  bequeath  is  stowed  away  in 
Nature's  storehouse,  and  the  Key  that  unlocks  the  door 
to  the  way  leading  to  the  treasury  we  herein  convey  to 
each  one  named  in  this  dedicated  testament.  And  we 
sincerely  hope  and  pray  that  each  one  will  gather  in  his 
full  portion,  and  make  good  use  of  the  same  for  the  un- 
foldment  of  his  own  and  his  fellowmen's  higher  selves, 
so  all  humanity  may  reach  the  higher  rounds  on  the  lad 
der  of  human  blessings  and  happiness. 


Dedication  and  Advice. 


This  work,  to  the  world,  and  to  our  daughter, 

Leona  E.  Oberg,  we  here  dedicate, 

As  key  to  treasures  hidden  till  sought  for, 


And  the  way  to  them  we  herein  relate. 

Take  great  care  to  heed 

Each  thought  and  each  deed; 

Because  by  thinking  }-ou  sow  the  soul-seed. 


The  J-alsr  and  the  True. 


If  iii  thoughtlessness  deeds  arc  committed 

For  mischief,  or  for  resentment  of  wrong, 

It  is  hard  from  them  to  be  acquitted; 

They  remain  companions  all  the  life  long. 

The  tongue,  therefore,  learn 

To  mind,  and  to  yearn 

For  insults  and  wrongs  kind  deeds  to  return. 

Do  not  imagine  no  one  can  see  you, 

And  therefore  your  actions  will  not  be  known 

Kach  bears  his  record  of  what  he  does  do; 

Open,  or  secret,  they  are  ever  shown. 

The  mind  accuses, 

The  face  refuses 

All  partnership  in  hiding  abuses. 

The  old  respect;  to  equals  be  civil; 

Aid  yon  the  poor;  to  the  fallen  be  kind. 

By  doing  right  show  the  weak  the  evil 

Of  yielding  themselves  to  appetites  blind. 

For  all,  be  a  stay, 

And  in  virtue's  way 

Lead  them  from  gloom  into  Hope's  sunny  day 

The  pay  for  your  efforts  may  seem  scant}', 
And  some  time  with  scorn  and  derision  met; 
Yet  the  soul  harvest  will  bring  its  bounty. 


Dedication  and  Advice. 


By  doing  good  you  have  naught  to  regret. 

Then  always  do  right, 

And  never  take  fright 

At  scorn  from  the  dwellers  in  their  soul's  night. 

Cherish  the  good,  and  you  greatness  attain 

By  being  and  living  just  what  you  are. 

From  envy  and  malice  ever  refrain, 

For  such  are  sure  your  own  progress  to  bar. 

Whatever  you  do, 

To  yourself  be  true, 

And  each  one  receives  what  is  his  just  due. 

Struggle  not  only  for  wealth  and  pleasure, 

For  when  you  attain  them,  joy  often  has  flown. 

Although  they  are  good,  and  comforts  measure, 

Without  heart-compassion  you  are  all  alone, 

So  dreary  and  sad, 

And  with  yourself  mad 

For  not  getting  that  which  makes  the  heart  glad. 

Strive  more  to  unfold  your  own  soul-kindness; 
In  the  top  story  of  your  being  dwell. 
Always  control  your  own  passions'  blindness. 
Follow  them  not!  for  they  lead  to  a  well 
Wherein  it  is  dark, 


io  The  False  and  the  True. 


And  misery's  mark 

Is  fixed  on  all  who  to  their  counsels  hark. 

If  you  become  disheartened  and  weary, 
And  life's  gloomy  clouds  are  hovering  nigh, 
If  of  temptation  you  have  not  been  wary, 
Return,  and  go  to  the  fountain  on  high. 
There  drink  your  draught  deep: 
There  strength  take  and  keep: 
Then  in  assurance  of  victory  sleep. 

Within  each  one  there  dwells  a  God,  called  Soul, 

Who  is  the  ego  that  moves,  lives  and  thinks; 

Who  can  lead  you  safely  to  the  right  goal, 

Over  all  troubles  on  Misery's  brinks. 

Your  prayers  to  Him  send; 

Your  will  force  extend; 

Hoping  and  trusting  it  shall  rightly  end. 

Humanity  is  a  graded  folk-school, 

Beginning  with  birth — whilst  death  graduates ; 

Where  some  are  punished  for  breaking  each  rule 

Which  nature — and  oft  man  only — creates. 

Others  seem  favored, 

Though  with  crime  flavored, 

And  of  debauchery's  mire  savored. 


Dedication  and  Advice.  n 

Yet  do  not  mind  it.     'Tis  only  seeming, 

As  they  are  not  what  they  appear  to  be, 

Whilst  the}'  on  wealth  and  their  birth  are  leaning. 

But  when  the  sonl  is  by  Grim  Death  set  free, 

Each  one  can  then  see 

What  in  truth  he  be — 

No  Gods  nor  Saviors  from  sin  can  him  free. 

When  he  heartily  of  himself  tires, 

And  each  sinful  act  he  loathes  with  disgust, 

And  within  his  soul  forms  new  desires 

Of  evil  to  purge,  and  thenceforth  be  just, 

There  springs  a  new  light 

In  his  soul's  dark  night, 

Which  shines  brighter  for  even-  wrong  set  right. 

Dear  friend,  thus  take  care  never  to  falter 

In  right  doing,  though  it  may  thankless  seem, 

For  then  your  life's  course  you  need  not  alter; 

You  no  acts  of  folly  have  to  redeem. 

Ma}-  you  ever  grow 

In  virtue,  and  go 

On  reaping  love's  crop  you  started  to  sow. 

When  reaper  Death  shall  have  gathered  us  in 
On  his  course  o'er  Mortality's  ferry, 


12 


The  False  and  the  True. 


And  we  shall  have  ceased  response  to  earth's  din, 

And  friends  the  corse  shall  solemnly  bury, 

Remember  we  meet 

Again,  and  shall  greet 

Each  other  beyond,  and  Death's  sting  defeat. 


title 


'3K 


PREFACE. 

In  this  small  volume  we  try  to  record 

The  old  and  the  new: 

The  creation  of  man,  God,  and  our  Lord — 

The  false  and  the  true — 

In  a  synopsis  of  the  Christian  lore, 

As  in  childhood  taught; 

How  man  sinned,  and  how  the  sins  Christ  bore — 

By  his  blood  man  bought; 

And  in  epic  verse  a  lucid  scene  draw, 

So  we  all  may  see 

What  is  in  accord  with  Nature's  own  law: 

To  the  false  set  free. 

From  her  hidden  contents,  be  patient  and  read 

What  she  has  to  say. 

She,  in  new  thought-paths,  will  your  reason  lead 

From  night  into  day. 

Religion  must  stand  upon  facts,  or  fall 

And  crumble  to  naught; 

And  by  natural  laws  faith's  truth  recall, 

If  patiently  sought. 


The  False  and  the  True. 


Nature  is  the  only  God-written  book 

That  is  fully  true. 

In  her  we  must  for  all  mysteries  look, 

For  the  old  and  new. 

With  respect  for  all,  and  malice  for  none, 

We've  tried  to  be  just. 

When  your  reading  of  this  volume  is  done, 

You  are  paid,  we  trust. 


The  Reason  why  we  Wrote  This  Book. 


RESURRECTION  AND  JUDGMENT  DAY. 

All  who  have  been  brought  up  within  the  pale 
of  the  Christian  Church  have  been  taught  to  be 
lieve  in  a  resurrection  and  a  judgment  day. 

In  fact,  it  constitutes  one  of  the  principal 
corner-stones  on  which  the  Church  is  built,  espe 
cially  the  doctrine  of  immortality.  The  Creator, 
the  Creature,  the  Destroyer,  the  Redeemer, 
Resurrection  and  Judgment^  Condemnation  and 
Salvation,  are  the  eight  corner-stones  of  the 
crosses  on  which  the  Church  is  built.  Remove 
any  one  of  these  and  the  structure  cracks,  crum 
bles  and  falls.  There  are  many  eminent  shep 
herd-architects  within  the  fold  who  are  constantly 
undermining  the  above-named  corner-stones,  and 
discarding  them  as  of  no  value,  until  the  struc 
ture  is  considered  unsafe;  hence  the  flocks  are 
roaming  at  large  over  rough  mountains  of  chance 
and  often  grazing  on  the  herbage  of  sensuality, 


1 6  The  False  and  the   True. 


greed  and  lust,  refusing  longer  to  obey  the  shep 
herds'  call.  No  one  can  blame  them,  as  they 
have  long  been  herded  in  fields  devoid  of  soul 
nutriment,  but  have  still  been  compelled  to  yield 
their  scanty  wool  for  their  shepherds. 

But  now  that  each  sheep  has  become  his  own 
keeper,  shearing  his  own  wool  for  himself,  there 
is  a  famine  in  the  shepherds'  camp,  who  are 
forming  a  wool-clippers'  union,  and  are  trying  to 
combine  with  the  state,  and  thus,  by  law,  to  com 
pel  the  sheep  to  be  herded  and  clipped  by  and 
for  themselves. 

We  rejoice  over  the  liberty  obtained  by  and  for 
each  individual,  but  we  nevertheless  bemoan  the 
fact  that  liberty  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  ignor 
ant  and  the  vicious  often  means  only  license  for 
doing  evil.  We  recognize  the  fact  that  each  in 
dividual  has  the  privilege,  right  and  duty  to 
think  and  judge  for  himself.  But  before  he 
forms  an  opinion  upon  a  subject,  he  should 
gather  all  the  facts  pertaining  thereto;  otherwise 
he  will  do  himself  and  others  great  injustice,  be 
cause  his  judgment  will  be  formed  by  what  he 
thinks  are  the  facts  instead  of  what  he  knows 
them  to  be. 


The  Reason    Why    We  Wrote  this  Book.  1 7 

Many  precious  truths  are  thus  discarded  as  of 
no  value,  and  many  errors  are  accepted  as  solid 
truths. 

To-day  the  Christian  Church,  as  a  body,  is  at 
sea,  scarce  knowing  what  it  builds  its  faith  on. 
The  Hell  and  Devil  have  long  been  doubted; 
Christ  the  Redeemer  is  only  redeemer  by  pre 
cepts;  immortality  is  scoffed;  the  Creator  has 
become  chance,  and  has  lost  his  personality.  In 
fact,  all  the  corner-stones  are  rapidly  being  re 
moved,  and  replaced  by  nothing  better. 

And  yet  Christianity,  built  on  its  eight  corner 
stones,  when  viewed  by  the  light  of  science,  is 
true,  and  its  eight  corner-stones  are  natural 
facts.  The  crosses  and  crucifixions  are  true,  but 
the  trouble  lies  in  the  fact  that  the  priesthood 
have,  through  time — by  superstitious  venera 
tion — erected  other  crosses  and  laid  other  cor 
ner-stones  than  Nature  and  Nature's  God  have 
laid.  Christ  was  crucified  between  two  malefac 
tors:  one  was  repentant  and  one  defiant. 

We  have,  therefore,  three  crosses  and  three 
Christianities.  One  is  false  and  two  are  true. 

It  is  our  desire  to  clear  away  the  rubbish  which 


1 8  The  False  and  the  True. 


time  and  priestly  arts  have  gathered  around  the 
true  crosses,  and  thus  bring  to  view  the  true  and 
ever -living  Clirists  crucified  for  the  benefit  of 
man,  so  he  who  runs  may  read  and  know  for 
himself. 

In  order  to  accomplish  this  task,  the  reader 
must  follow  through  the  maze  of  mythology  and 
mystic  lores,  where,  to  prevent  our  being  lost, 
we  shall  take  Nature  for  guide. 

We  must  be  careful  not  to  condemn  that  which 
is  true,  though  old  and  time-worn,  because  we, 
above  all  others,  will  be  injured  thereby. 

To  avert  this  danger  we  must  from  the  results 
trace  the  cause  and  origin.  This  we  will  en 
deavor  to  do  by  thorough  investigation.  But  the 
subject  is  too  vast  and  complicated  for  perusal  by 
the  busy  individual.  Hence,  to  be  understood, 
we  must  condense  the  whole  subject,  and  bring 
it  within  the  scope  of  three  or  four  hours'  read 
ing,  yet  have  care  that  not  a  shade  of  the  mental 
picture  shall  be  lost.  We  have,  therefore,  re 
sorted  to  the  greatest  condensing  process  known 
— namely,  rhyming  epic  verse. 

The    subject  is    naturally  so  dry  and   bony, 


The  Reason    Why    We  Wrote  this  Book.  19 


that  few  can  be  brought  to  give  it  the  proper  at 
tention,  preferring  to  take  the  say-so  of  their 
teachers,  whether  right  or  wrong,  rather  than  to 
take  time  to  read  it.  To  make  it  more  interest 
ing  we  have  woven  the  fabric  into  a  story  aronnd 
a  dream,  or  a  vision,  we  saw  while  but  a  child. 
But  when  the  story  is  read,  forget  it,  and  only 
remember  what  we  desire  to  convey  by  the 
same. 

It  should  call  your  attention  to  existing  nat 
ural  facts,  and  the  laws  governing  these  facts, 
and  no  more.  There  it  ends.  It  should  not  be 
considered  authority  by  its  mere  statements,  for 
a  revelation  to  the  first  person  becomes  faith  to 
the  second.  We  merety  relate,  and  leave  the 
conclusions  of  what  we  have  related  to  you. 

We  have  used  simple  language  so  all  can  un 
derstand  it,  but  wish  to  label  a  few  words  used, 
namely:  Life,  death,  spirit  and  soul. 

Many  confound  the  words  spirit  and  soul,  and 
use  them  interchangeably.  We  claim  both  are 
immortal,  but  soul  is  a  more  highly  evolved 
spirit.  All  life  is  animated  by  spirit,  but  of  all 
organic  beings  mankind  alone  has  soul. 


2o  The  False  and  the    True. 

We  have  four  kinds  of  life:  First,  the  mate 
rial,  or  inorganic,  life;  second,  spirit  life.  Inor 
ganic  life  is  permeated  with  spirit,  and  it  is  spirit 
known  as  cohesive  force  which  holds  the  crystal 
in  contact.  This  kind  of  spirit  exists  every 
where  throughout  the  entire  universe,  and  we 
may  also  call  it  Chemic,  or  Cosmic,  force.  There 
is,  however,  another  kind  of  spirit  which,  when 
it  crosses  this  inorganic  life,  forms  organic  physi 
cal  life.  Thus  the  third  kind  of  life  is  Physical 
life.  It  takes  more  or  less  unfolded  soul  life 
crossed  with  matter  to  form  Physical  life,  but 
it  is,  nevertheless,  known  as  spirit  until  it  has 
reached  its  highest  unfoldment  through  the 
physical  life  found  in  man,  wrhere  it  becomes  an 
independent  living  soul,  a  creator  and  a  god. 

Soul  is,  therefore,  the  fourth  and  the  highest 
degree  of  life. 

All  life  is  immortal,  except  the  physical  life, 
which  is  ever-changing;  and  when  the  soul  ego 
has  no  longer  use  for  the  same,  it  crumbles  and 
dies.  The  material  returns  to  the  organic  and 
inorganic  worlds,  from  whence  it  came,  whilst 
the  animal  spirit  and  the  soul  return  to  their 
respective  stations  in  the  spirit  and  soul  world. 


The  Reason    Why    We   Wrote  this  Book. 


21 


These  definitions  may  not  be  found  stated  in 
the  authorities,  but  we  wish  them  to  be  under 
stood  so,  hence  label  them. 


INTRODUCTION. 

Ye  lovers  of  truth,  observe!  and  behold 

The  foundations  of  the  religions  old! 

How  truth  and  error  there  lap  and  indent, 

And  are  held  together  by  fear  as  cement! 

Religion,  the  light 

In  Sorrow's  dark  night, 

Help  us  to  purge  it  and  keep  it  aright. 

Truth  is  eternal,  and  can  stand  the  test. 

Error  will  vanish  when  by  facts  hard  pressed, 

And  to  religion  is  terredoed  spiles — 

The  good  it  weakens,  while  truth  it  defiles: 

Religion  the  stay 

On  temptation's  day; 

The  anchor  and  hope  when  life  flies  away. 

Its  massive  buildings,  like  monuments,  stand 

In  every  nation — and  in  this  fair  land — 

Whose  foundations  crumble  under  thought-light. 

Long-believed  dogmas  are  taking  their  flight, 

Where  fear  and  alarm, 

The  dogmatic' s  charm, 

No  longer  trouble  nor  do  any  harm. 

Their  flocks  are  roaming,  like  sheep  on  a  hill, 

Without  order  going,  trying  to  fill 

Their  hunger  and  thirst  from  Theory's  spring; 


In  tro  duct  ion .  2  3 


From  her  dry  pasture  the}*  scarce  glean  a  thing. 

The  last  and  the  first 

Are  in  a  disgust; 

Though  free,are  in  fetters,and  them  dare  not  burst. 

They  go  from  faith  to  dark  doubt's  dreary  maze, 

And  there  facts  with  uncertainty  replace; 

While  religion  they  call  only  a  game 

Played  by  the  priesthood,  for  money  and  fame, 

Who  want  to  be  great, 

Hence  early  and  late 

Try  to  draw  power  for  church  from  the  state. 

With  dogmatism  the}*  have  covered  truth; 

With  God's  fear  ml  vengeance  threatened  the  youth 

If  bv  science  they  measure  faith  and  draw 

From  it  conclusions  of  God's  Holy  Law. 

They  curse  and  they  ban 

Child,  woman  and  man, 

For  walking  beyond  their  own  finger's  span. 

Open  the  windows  and  let  the  sun  in; 

Wide  open  the  doors  and  call  science  in, 

Which  only  can  help  you  the  facts  to  find — 

Food  for  the  hungry  and  sight  for  the  blind. 

The  glorious  Ever 

Victorious,  never 

Does  true  religion  from  science  sever! 


The  False  and  the   True. 


Mortal  man  dieth.     The  soul  survives  death, 

And  is  the  cause,  and  not  subject,  of  breath. 

He  is  his  own  savior  from  his  sin's  stain — 

Provided  from  sinning  he  does  refrain. 

The  soul  is  the  light 

In  life,  and  Death's  night. 

Follow  its  guidance;  'twill  lead  you  aright. 

If  you  seek  for  light  in  God's  Holy  Writ, 

My  humble  lay  read,  and  well  digest  it; 

For,  from  that  fountain  which  never  runs  dry, 

I  have  drawn  it;  and  that  fountain  is  nigh. 

The  language  has  faults, 

The  rhyme  often  halts, 

But  sense,  and  the  truth,  it  always  exalts. 


PART  I. 

CHAPTER   I. 

In  memory's  fountain  there  lingers  still 
A  scene  I  cannot  forget,  for  it  will 
Not  be  banished  from  my  memory's  eye, 
As,  companion-like,  it  always  keeps  nigh. 


—      £K 
i  jtt  it? 

'in  «!<  f  1. 

HrrtSM.    m 


Perchance  it  was  a  mirage  reflecting 
My  own  soul's  thought;  and  ever  selecting 
The  theme  which  I  held  most  dear  and  cherished— 
If  continued  long,  I  must  have  perished. 


26 


The  False  and  the   True. 


Then  came  to  me  a  dream,  or  a  vision — 
What  it  was  you  may  render  decision. 
Say  what  you  will,  you  can  name  it  yourself, 
But  to  me  it  proved  a  heaven-sent  elf. 

THE  REASON  FOR  ITS  COMING. 

Yet,  before  I  describe  this  scene  so  queer, 
The  cause  of  its  coming  you  ought  to  hear: 

Born  a  Swede,  in  the  Church 

Evangelic, 

In  her  pious  tenets'  world- 
famed  relic; 
In     her     faith    established 

through  the  nation, 
In  the  belief  that  the  whole 

creation 
As  taught  in  the  Bible — the 

old  and  new — 
In  which  every  line  is  word  for  word  true. 

CREATION    AND    FALL    OF    MAN. 

All  that  is  was  in  six  days  created, 
Including  man,  whom  God  estimated 
Above  everything  else  which  he  had  made, 
And  gave  to  him  Eden,  with  fruit  and  shade; 


Our  Childhood's  Faith.  27 


Wherein  he  reserved  for  Himself  one  tree, 
Which  stood  in  its  midst — whilst  the  rest  were 

free — 

Whose  fruit  was  knowledge  of  evil  and  good, 
Of  which  eat  they  must  not,  if  live  they  would. 

CLOSE   OF    THE    SIXTH    CREATION    DAY. 

"  My  work  is  finished,  and  my  rest  is  near, 

And  for  recreation  I  will  come  here, 

For  all  is  perfect  without  correction. 

Adam  and  Eve  are  mine  by  election. 

They  are  charmingly  graceful,  like  unto  us; 

We  shall  live  in  unum  e  pluribus. 

For  I  am  satisfied  with  all  I've  made," 

Said  He  to  His  Son,  in  cool  evening's  shade. 

LIFE   OF   BLISS   IN   EDEN. 

How  long  they  lived  there  in  bliss  we  don't  know, 
But  Eve's  prying  mind  soon  started  to  grow; 
Covetous  glances  she  cast  on  that  tree, 
Because  it  was  charming  and  fair  to  see. 

THE    TEMPTATION    AND    FALL. 

A  serpent  then  of  the  Devil  was  seized, 
And  by  his  fine  talk  the  woman  much  pleased. 
"  Behold!  this  fruit  is  fine  and  delicious! 
Partake  thereof,  and  be  wise  and  gracious." 


28 


The  False  and  the    True. 


.  EVE'S   ANSWER. 

uTo  eat  of  that  fruit  God  has  forbidden; 
For  under  its  beauty  death  lies  hidden." 

SATAN'S  ARGUMENT. 

"Nay!     Say  not  so,  woman;  for  we  well  know 
That  wisdom  and  knowledge  thereon  do  grow. 
When  you  thereof  eat  you  will  be  like  Him; 
Your  eyes  shall  open  and  no  more  be  dim;" 

YIELDING  TO  TEMPTATION. 

The    woman     took     it    and     ate     a 

measure, 
And    gave    to   Adam,  who   ate  with 

pleasure. 
But  lo  and  behold!  They  found  they 

were  nude, 
And  to  eat  such  fruit  was  wickedly 

rude. 

THE  CREATOR'S  APPEARANCE  ON  THE  SCENE. 

As  the  Lord  came  at  the  cool  evening  tide, 
They  s\vallowed  the  apple  and  ran  aside — 
Hence  were  not  present  and  ready  for  play 
When  He  came,  after  they  had  gone  astray. 


Our   Childhoods  Faith.  29 


UO  Adam!     Where  art  thou!     Why  dost  thou 

hide!" 

a  We  find  we  are  naked,"  Adam  then  cried. 
"  Come  forward  this  moment!     I  want  to  hear 
What  brought  on  this  change  to  cause  thee  such 

fear. 

You  always  were  innocent  till  to-day; 
What  maketh  you  act  in  this  frightened  way?" 

ADAM    AND    EVE    BEFORE    GOD. 

Then  Adam  and  Eve  came  slowly  around, 
With  fig-leaf  aprons  upon  themselves  bound. 
"  You  have  eaten  of  the  forbidden  fruit — 
For  I  see  its  effect  upon  you  bruit — 
Or  your  nudeness  would  not  have  you  disgraced," 
Said  God,  as  they  stood  before  Him  shame-faced. 

AD  Ul'S  ANSWER  AND  GOD's  AXGER. 

"  The  woman,  Thou  madest,  gave  it  to  me. 
I  ate  and  it  was    a  folly,  I  see." 
Indignation,  sorrow,  anger  and  rage 
Then  shifted  about  on  God's  mental  stage; 
"  You  I  created  and  gave  the  whole  land, 
Except    3*011   small   tree.     You  broke   my   com 
mand! 


30  The  False  and  the  True. 


My  work  is  a  failure,  I  now  have  found, 
Though  my  heart  was  pleased  and  unto  it  bound. 
Cursed  be  thou,  Adam,  and  cursed  be  the  ground! 
Cursed  be  thou,  woman,  and  serpent  profound  I 
Cursed  be  all  nature — in  one  single  blow. 
Everything  now  to  destruction  shall  go; 
For  I  am  the  Just  Lord  God,  and  must  be 
Satisfied  ere  I  can  let  you  go  free!" 

THE    SON'S   INTERCESSION. 

The  Son  spake  up:    UO  Father,  be  quiet! 
Do  not  be  angry,  nor  make  such  a  riot! 
But  with  love's  compassion  open  thine  eyes, 
And  do  not  destroy  thine  own  paradise! 
For  Adam's  action  I  stand  guarantee. 
Dost  he  not  act  right,  wilt  let  Thee  slay  me." 
This  intercession  appeased  Him  quite  soon, 
For  in  a  short  time  He  granted  the  boon. 
Then,  with  animal  skins,  He  made  them  dress. 
Without  shedding  of  blood — and  nothing  less — 
They  could  not  have  stood  before  Him  at  all 
After  that  evil  and  terrible  fall. 

HEAVEN'S  COUNCIL. 

' '  'Tis  best  we  consider  our  acts  with  care, 
Or  much  annoyance  from  them  we  may  bear. 


Our  Childhood's  Faith.  3! 

If  we  let  them  stay  here  we  will  it  rue — 
Since  good  and  evil  are  known  by  the  two — 
For    they  ate    the    fruit  and   shalt  feel   Death's 

sting, 
And    reap  what    they  sow  and    on    themselves 

bring. 

We  must  drive  them  away  from  the  Life-tree, 
Or  they  may  eat  and  live,  and  like  us  be. 
Thou  gavest  for  them  thy  promise  to  me, 
Of  guardianship,  and  thy  guarantee. 
'Tis  well  for  thee  to  secure  thine  own  prize 
Lest  they  in  rebellion  against  thee  rise. 
We  will  it  thus:    That  who  on  Thee  believe, 
Shall  pardon  for  his  transgressions  receive; 
And  if  he  believes  not,  him  must  we  sure 
Send  down  to  Hades,  to  stubbornness  cure. 
These  shall  be  Heaven's  immutable  laws, 
Made  for  salvation  and  fallen  man's  cause;" 
Yet,  before  the  worlds  founda 
tion  iv as  laid, 

And  Adam  and  Eve  in  the  gar 
den  strayed. 

EXPULSION    FROM    EDEN. 

Then  Adam  and  Eve  from  Eden 
He  drove 


32  The  False  and  the  True. 


To  out  in  the  wide  world's  misery  rove. 
"In  griping  pains  shall  thy  children  be  born, 
In  the  sweat  of  thy  brow  shalt  eat  thy  corn; 
In  raising  thy  bread  thou  shalt  till  with  care, 
As  thorns  and  thistles  the  ground  shalt  thee  bear. 
Thou,  accursed  snake,  Man's  power  shalt  feel; 
He  shalt  crush  thy  head;  thou  shalt  bruise  his 

heel! 

At  Eden's  gate  I  shall  angel-guards  place, 
And  all  the  roads  to  it  I  shall  deface, 
So  none  shalt  eat  of  its  life-giving  fruits, 
But  stay  on  earth  among  vipers  and  brutes." 

ABKL,    CAIN    AND    SETH. 

Dark  sadness  then  reigned  until  Cain  was  born, 
They  thought  a  savior  come  to  the  forlorn; 
And  more  when  Abel  lit  their  hearts  anew; 
But  still  sadder  when  Cain  his  brother  slew, 
And  fled  to  Nod,  a  people  full  of  strife, 
Among  whom  to  himself  he  took  a  wife. 
Then  again  they  were  with  sorrow  alone, 
Until  Seth,  a  fair  lad,  himself  made  known, 
Who  grew  to  manhood,  and  is  filling  earth 
With  sons  of  men — through  the  channel  of  birth. 
They  lived  in  abundance  through  the  whole  land, 
Yet  heeded  no  rights,  nor  God's  own  command; 


Our  Childhood' s  Faith. 


33 


But  grew  every  day  much  stronger  in  sin; 
Though  Enoch  was  good,  and  God  took  him  in. 

THE   DELUGE   OF   SIX. 

For    years — hundred-twenty — God    with     them 

plead 

To  walk  in  the  right,  and  by  Him  be  led. 
They  heeded  not,  but  bade  Him  defiance, 
Though  with  good  Noah  He  made  alliance 
To  build  him  an  ark — his  family  to  save 
From  a  deep  deluge  and  watery  grave. 
And  for  forty  days  storms  and  rains  He  sent, 
Till  the  water  over  high  mountains  went. 
When    the  winds   blew,   and    the    sinners  were 

drowned, 

The  ark  a  landing  on  Ararat  found. 
Then  emerged  from  the  ark  all  found  within 
That  grand  refuge  in  the  deluge  of  sin. 
And  Noah  and  sons,  together  with  wives, 
Burnt  offerings  offered  to  God  for  their  lives: 
He,  smelling  its  savor,  was  with  it  so  pleased 
That  he  told  Noah  his  anger  had  ceased; 
Thus  placed  in  the  sky  the  rainbow  for  men, 
As  token  that  he  will  not  drown  them  again ; 
And  gave  them  control  of  all  upon  earth, 


34  The  False  and  the  True. 


And  all  within  it  that  to  them  had  worth. 
From  the  fertile  soil  grew  the  grapevine. 
From  its  luscious  fruit  made  Noah  his  wine, 
And  drank  of  it  till  he  acted  not  right. 
His  shameful  deeds  was  for  Ham  a  bad  sight, 
For,  by  beholding,  Noah  cursed  his  son; 
Since  which,  for  like  causes,  others  have  done. 
If  Noah  pleased  God  as  priest  or  as  monk, 
It  says  not  for  sure,  but  says  he  got  drunk. 
After  the  flood,  things  went  smoothly  for  years- 
Some  were  ruled  by  love,  and  others  by  fears. 
Here  we  have  no  time  to  mention  them  all, 
But  only  such  as  the  mind  can  recall: 
There  were  Abraham,  Isaac  and  his  son, 
Joseph,  Moses.,  David  and  Solomon, 


With    many  w7ise    prophets,    priests  and    great 

kings, 
Of  which  memory  a  multitude  brings. 


Our  Childhood' s  Faith.  35 


To  walk  justly  He  of  them  demanded, 

And  from  Sinai  ten  times  commanded. 

Time  passed  on  with  an  occasional  pull 

At  God's  patience,  till  forbearance  was  full, 

And  He  determined  on  sin's  prevention, 

And  of  His  son  exacting  redemption. 

Thus  called  him  into  the  accounting  room 

To  balance  the  books  and  receive  the  doom. 

The  results  were  bad,  for  he  had  to  pa}' 

The  debt  for  which  he  stood  security. 

Therefore  he  bade  the  Heaven's-court  good  day, 

And  then  prepared  to  go,  without  delay, 

To  upon  himself  take  poor  man's  estate 

And  in  physical  life  suffer  his  fate. 

A  forerunner  of  him  to  the  earth  went, 

And  John,  the  Baptist,  before  him  was  sent. 

He  also  sent  angels  with  the  story 

Of  His  coming  in  a  hidden  glory. 


CHAPTER  II. 
THE  ANGEL'S  SALUTATION  TO  MARY. 

"  All  hail  to  thee,  Mary,"  the  angel  said, 
"The  blessings  of  Heaven  rest  on  thy  head. 
Unto  thee,  Virgin,  a  child  shall  be  born, 
Who  shall  be  a  savior  of  all  forlorn." 

MARY'S  ANSWER. 

"  May  the  blessings  come,  however  they  can; 
But  know  not  from  whence,  for  I  know  no  man." 
"  Oh,  no,  Mary,"  said  the  angel  again, 
"  He  shall  be  no  product  of  sinful  man, 
But  a  holy  seed  will  take  root  and  bloom, 
For  God's  holy  son  shalt  with  you  find  room." 

ELIZABETH    AND    ZACHARIAH. 

Then  Elizabeth,  Zachariah's  wife, 
Came,  blessing  the  product  of  Mary's  life. 
The  priest,  Zachariah,  had  a  queer  freak: 
Because  of  a  vision  he  could  not  speak, 
Until  John  was  born,  and  he  wrote  his  name; 
Then    he    spoke    and   rejoiced — who  could  him 
blame? 


Our  Childhood  s  Faith. 


37 


THE    BIRTH    OF    CHRIST 

At  Bethlehem,  born  at  the  Christ 
mas  tide, 

To  see  the  Christ-child  many  wise 
men  hied. 

They    sought    him     in    stables  of 
sheep  and  goats, 

From  whence  the  glad  tiding  joy 
fully  floats. 

And  those   good   shepherds  wrho  then  were  not 
there, 

A  message  received  from  the  angels  fair. 

THE    FLIGHT    TO    EGYPT. 

Herod  the  Great  with  the  dark  thought 

was  filled. 
"If  the  child  be  a  king  he  should  be 

killed." 

Thus  he  gave  orders  to  slay  every  kin 
Who  had  that  year  around  Bethlehem 

been. 

That  treachery  Joseph  saw  in  a  dream ; 
Hence  fled  to  Egypt  the  child  there  to  screen, 
Who  grew  in  wisdom,  in  power  and  love- 
Reflections  of  unseen  forces  above. 


38  The  False  and  ike  True. 

When  Herod  died  they  returned  to  their  home, 
And  no  longer  did  in  foreign  lands  roam. 

HE    TAUGHT    THE    PEOPLE. 
At  twelve  years,  in  Jerusalem's  temple, 
He  taught  the  wise  men — with  learning  ample; 
At  thirty  did  his  full  mission  commence, 
When  he  healed  and  taught  without  recompense. 
Around  him  gathered  the  high  and  the  low, 
Who  loved  his  presence  where'er  he  would  go; 
Till    in    priests    and    scribes    he    much    envy 

wrought, 

Who  took  him,  and  Annas  and  Caiaphas  sought. 
But,  as  by  law  they  had  no  right  to  kill, 
They  sent  him  to  Pilate,  and  sought  his  will. 
This  occurred  at  Pascal  festival  time, 
When  people  were  there  from  many  a  clime. 
These  raised  insurrection  to  have  him  slain, 
Which,  to  the  priesthood,  was  clearest  of  gain. 


WHUBK  THE  COUKT  OF  PILATE. 

_T  "hi:  irizit  i:  "t  T"T.:~     rt:i:  ZLIZ 


He  is  ••••MMi«««i^  and  King  of  the  Jews. 

^   L'_L7   1  LI~.li.ITI  ".  Z  5    ^    .1:1  ZZ  IT    ~Z1TX  ._ 

Said  Pilate  of  Mm,  while  before  Ins  court. 

"  We  have  an  old  rnstnmf  winch  thou  shouldrst 


'.A.-  —  i-   --  :'  '  -.  rv.T-  — 


Was  ID  he  crucified,  hot  they  were  cote 

7  .    '.  —  i  — 

Ani  hi   ±    "t5ii   :r^.::£t-i  :::  :::.-=   -T-I  : 

T:   Htr:«:    T:  i'^:.—  "::-  :::;::; 
'-I-T  IITI.T  i^ii^^T  .:::::  z.::  "::: 
::    ^-ri'.t     ir.  i      h:;;-l   "::: 
too; 
Azi    IT:---!   "T:Z:      :T":  :'.:  :  rz  ~     izi  :L:o 

„  I  ZT,     17- 

"*  Behold!   the  man  is  now  somiged,  without 


And  is  not  gnflty  of  crime  against  laws." 
Then  cried  the  people:    fet  We  shall  never  dread 

izi    :zr  :*-:*.  :rtz  ~ 


40  The  False  and  the  True. 


Then  washed  Pilate  his  hands  from  every  guilt 
Of  the  innocent  blood  they  would  have  spilt, 
And  gave  them  a  warrant  which  they  could  use 
For  crucifying  the  King  of  the  Jews, 
With  an  inscription  to  be  nailed  o'er  him: 
"Jesu  Naserene  Rex  Judcorum.^ 

On    Golgotha    to    a  cross  him  they 
nailed; 

In    quelling   his    love    they  utterly 
failed. 


While  tortured  he  prayed:    "Father 
forgive  you, 

For   ye    know    not  the  sins  that  ye 
now  do." 

But  while  in  anguish,  pain  and  gloom,  said  he: 
"  My  God!   my  God!     Why  forsakest  thou  me?" 
Yet,  seeing  his  mother  and  John,  he  cried: 
"Thy  mother,  thy  son,  'tis  finished!"  then  died. 
Thus  for  man,  on  the  cross,  his  prayers  went, 
Answered  by  the  Temple's  veil  being  rent. 
His  sorrowing  friends  the  body  secured, 
And,    wrapped  in    myrrh,   in    a    new  tomb  im 
mured. 

And,  sad,  departed  for  their  homes  to  weep, 
And  him  forever  in  memory  keep. 


Our  Childhood's  Faith.  41 


Forlorn  and  dreary,  they  could  not  refrain 

From  going  to  see  his  body  again. 

When  the  sacred  Sabbath  came  to  a  close, 

To  visit  his  grave  the  monrners  arose. 

The  women  came  first — at  the  break  of  day — 

And  found  the  door-stone  had  been  rolled  away, 

And  angels  were  standing  at  foot     ~- 

and  head 
Informing  them  that:    "  He  rose 

from  the  dead!" 
On    searching,    they    found    his 

napkin  was  there. 
With  care  it  was  folded;  the  rest 

was  bare. 

The  men  went  away,  but  Mary  still  stayed, 
And  asked  the  gardener:   "  Where  have  you  him 

laid?" 

The  Master  said:    "Mary,"  in  his  sweet  voice, 
"I  live!     Go,  tell  my  brethren,  and  rejoice." 
And  on  that  da}*,  on  the  Emmaus  road, 
He  relieved  two  men  of  their  sad  hearts'  load, 
Opening  to  them  the  words  truly  spoken, 
How  for  sins  of  men  He  must  be  broken. 
Once  closed  in  a  room,  on  the  upper  floor, 
His  disciples  were   with  hearts  sad  and  sore, 


42  The  False  and  the    True. 


When  by  them  He  stood,  saying:  "Peace  to  you! 
Thomas,  thou  doubtest.  Stick  thy  fin gers  through 
The  wounds  in  my  sides,  my  hands,  and  my  feet! 
Dost  thou  think  it  is  I  whom  thou  dost  greet? " 
And  Thomas,  amazed,  could  scarcely  find  word, 
When  seeing  his  risen  master  and  lord. 

THE    DISCIPLES    GO    FISHING. 

On  Lake  Tiberias,  one  night,  they  fished, 
And  faithfully  labored  till  dawn,  but  missed. 
Tired  and  weary  their  course  homeward  bore, 
And  there  found  the  Master  tipon  the  shore 
Calling  to  them:    "  Have  ye  got  any  meat?" 
They  answered  him:    "  No!"     "  Then  come  here 

and  eat! 

Cast  your  net  on  the  right  side  of  your  boat!" 
And  one  '  fifty-three  they  to  the  land  float. 
All  were  astonished  when  seeing  the  yield — 
So  great  a  wonder  to  their  hearts  appealed. 
"  It  is  the  Master!"  and  Peter  sprang  in,  (?) 
And  two  hundred  cubits  he  had  to  swim. 
He  three  times  asked:  "Peter,  dost  thou  love  me?" 
Who  answered  him  three  times:    u  Lord,  thou 

canst  see."  (?) 

"  If  thou  lovest  me,  then  feed  my  dear  sheep, 
And  ever  on  them  a  watchful  eye  keep."  (?) 


Our  Childhood's  Faith,  43 


All  were  fed  from  the  fish  on  the  fire, 
Representing  his  funeral  pyre. 

THE   ASCENSION. 

He  taught  many  things  to  the  faint-hearted, 

What  they  should  do  when  from  them  he  parted. 

When  his  instructions  to  them  had 
ended, 

Into  Heaven  from  thence  he  as 
cended. 

Thus,  leaving  them  gazing  into  the 
sky, 

Until  he  vanished  among  clouds  on 

high. 

Then  two  angels  appeared,  asking  of  them: 
"  What  gaze  ye  after,  ye  Galilee  men? 
This  same  Jesus,  we  truly  to  you  say, 
In  like  manner  shall  come  on  Judgment  day. 
Return  to  Jerusalem,  and  there  stay 
For  the  Holy  Ghost's  coming.    Watch  and  pray." 
They  went,  and  from  God  assistance  they  sought; 
And  the  Spirit  wonders  on  Pentecost  wrought. 
For  with  tongues  he  their  intellects  fired, 
Till  they  spake  every  language,  inspired. 
Thence  to  the  world  was  the  gospel  proclaimed: 
u  The  sin-debts  are  paid  and  man  is  redeemed." 


CHAPTER    IV. 

THE    MISSION    FINISHED. 

His  mission  was  finished  here  upon  earth, 
Where  He  paid  the  debt  to  its  utmost  worth. 
And  God  is  not  fully  satisfied  yet, 
But  out  with  the  world,  and  will  destroy  it. 
First,  man  was  saved  by  the  Son's  intervene; 
Second,  Noah  and  ark  came  in  between; 
And  third,  God's  own  son  on  the  cross  was  slain; 
Yet,  his  fierce  anger  he  cannot  restrain. 
The  world  he  will  burn  in  fires  of  Hell, 
Where  sinners,  in  bondage,  ever  shall  dwell. 

HE  SHALL  COME  FOR  JUDGMENT  IN  HIS  GLORY. 

Before  this  burning,  with  horrors  gory, 

He  shall  come  for  judgment  in  his  glory. 

Arch- An  gel  Gabriel  shall  blow  his  horn, 

On  that  resurrection's  imposing  morn, 

And  call  to  judgment  the  living  and  dead. 

Those  shall  to  happiness  by  him  be  led 

To  God's  right   hand,  who   in   bliss  shall  have 

slept, 

And  their  sinnings'  receipt  closely  have  kept; 
Those  on  the  left  side  have  damnation  earned, 


Our  Childhood's  Faith. 


45 


For  they  his  plans  of  salvation  have  spurned. 

Salvation  is  easy:     Only  believe 

Jesus  as  Ckrist,  and  salvation  receive. 

The  unbelievers  shall  be  like  the  goat, 

And  go  to  the  Itft,  to  in  darkness  float. 

By  lack  of  faith  they  God's  ire  have  wrought, 

For  spurning  Him,  who  them  dearl}*  had  bought. 

Those  in  glory  shall  praise  God,  and  never 

Cease  singing  the  Lamb  praises  forever, 

And  to  the  Triune  and  Heavenly  host— 

The  Father,  the  Son  and  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Those  sent  to  damnation's  horrid  fire 

Shall  cry  from  pain,  and  sorrow,  and  ire. 

There    souls    shall   not    die,  nor  shall  anguish 

cease, 
And  from  hell-torments  none  shall  find  release. 


CHAPTER   V. 

MY  CHILDHOOD'S  FAITH. 

This,  I  was  taught,  was  the  truth,  every  word 

From  God's  holy  mouth,  by  His  prophets  heard. 

One  must  repent,  and  believe,  to  be  saved, 

And  in  Christ's  holy  faith  be  well  behaved: 

Which  is  not  so  easy  as  one  might  think, 

For  Paul,  the  Apostle,  feared  he  might  sink 

Under  his  Car's  heavy  doubt-sinning  load, 

And  finally  miss  the  salvation  road. 

Then,  if  he,  thought  I,  could  miss  salvation 

When  he  offered  himself  in  oblation 

To  the  Master's  sacred  soul-saving  cause, 

I  had  good  reason  to  ponder  and  pause. 

Again :    If  from  the  damnation  horrors 

I  save  myself  from  Hell  and  its  terrors, 

What  of  my  friends,  as  well  as  relations? 

And  what  of  my  earth-neighbors,  and  nations? 

Shall  they  suffer  pain,  and  I  near  by? 

Or,  will  each  one  be  saved  as  well  as  I? 

But  am  answered  firmly  with  a  "No!  no! 

In  Heaven  none  pangs  of  conscience  can  know." 


Our  Childhood' s  Faith. 


47 


But  what  kind  of  Heaven  can  that  well  be 
To  me,  while  from  glory  I  will  them  see? 
As  a  child  I  o'er  it  studied  and  thought, 
Till  it  near  the  verge  of  distraction  brought, 
For  much  did  it  weaken  and  exhaust 
When  for  salvation  I  counted  the  cost. 


PART    II. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

THE    PHANTASMAGORIA. 

(As. I  saw  it  in  the  Autumn  of  1867.) 

I  remember  one  misty,  autumn  day, 

On  an  errand  Father  sent  me  away. 

My  mind  had  been  dwelling  on  salvation 

For  myself,  and  all  human  relation, 

Until  exhausted,  and  so  had  to  rest, 

And  must  have  fallen  asleep  in  the  mist. 

And  in  that  short  sleep  a  long  dream  I  dreamed, 

And  traveled  through   space   and  time,  and,  it 

seemed, 

Though  a  small  lad,  in  the  vision  I  grew 
Into  man's  estate,  and  saw  what  I  knew 
I  never  had  seen  before  in  my  life: 
Foreign   lands,  and   seas,  with   their   peace  and 

strife. 

As  I  grew  up,  thought  also  unfolded, 
And  my  religion  ever  re-molded. 
From  my  Father's  and  Mother's  cherished  faith 
Atheism  and  doubt  soon  took  its  place. 
It  was  a  cold  faith,  and  yet  it  much  stilled 


50  The  False  and  the  True. 


The  terrible  fear  of  Hell  which  me  filled. 
Though  sure  of  no  life  beyond  the  dark  grave, 
A  full  assurance  of  it  I  did  crave. 
To    me    preachers    preached,   and    argued,    and 

prayed, 

And  yet  still  stronger  in  that  faith  they  made. 
But  a  wish  within  would  ever  persist 
To  know  if  beyond  death  man  does  exist. 

PROOF    OF     IMMORTALITY. 

Then  came  to  me  friends  from  my  early  youth: 
"We  are  not  dead,  but  live!"  said  they.     In  truth, 
They  were  evidence  of  what  I  there  saw, 
And  proof  of  the  immortality  law. 
This  filled  my  mind  with  a  long  longed-for  peace, 
Because    the  soul-strength  it  did  much  increase 
With  understanding  of  the  sacred  key 
To  Mother  Nature's  hidden  mystery; 
With  power  to  know  myself  and  my  God : 
That  His  rule  is  Love,  and  Man's  is  the  rod. 

IN    THE    VISION    I    VISITED    OTHER    COUNTRIES. 

In  far  distant  lands,  and  in  golden  spheres, 
I  was  living  for  many  happy  years, 
Until  with  life's  care,  and  age,  I  was  bent, 


The  Phantasmagoria.  51 


When  thoughts  toward  home  of   my  childhood 

went. 

So  in  shape  my  affairs  I  tried  to  make, 
For  a  needed  recreation  to  take. 
My  family  and  I  bade  adieu  one  day, 
And  for  home  of  childhood  we  sailed  away. 
And  came  to  memory's  hallowed  spots, 
Where,  as  children,  we  picked  forget-me-nots, 
It  was  in  the  mellow-light  autumn  time, 
When  for  beauty  it  can  vie  with  each  clime, 
With  its  deep  blue  sky  and  its  gold-lined  cloud; 
Its  echoes  resounding  so  clear  and  loud. 
The  lakes  lay  before  us,  peacefully  bright, 
Reflecting  shadowy  scenes  in  the  light, 
Of  everything  that  might  be  on  the  shores, 
And  boats   plied   by  steam,  by  sails,  or  by  oars. 
And  whatever  is  above  it  on  high, 
On  their  bosoms  record,  both  form  and  dye. 
Under  the  feet  was  a  green  mat  of  grass, 
Soft  as  velvet,  while  we  over  it  pass, 
Adorned  with  flowers  which  in  the  fall  grow. 
Their  sweet-scented  fragrance  was  good  to  know. 
The  tree  leaves  were  turning  yellow  and  bright, 
Charming  and  beautiful  in  the  sunlight. 
The  fruit  in  the  orchards  was  ripening, 
Some  finding  it  hard  to  on  the  tree  cling, 


52  The  False  and  the  Trite. 


Of  birds  there  were  many  different  kinds 
Gleefully  singing  the  song  of  their  minds. 
Their  warbling,  whistling,  chirping  and   cooing 
Caused  one  to  wonder  what  they  were  doing, 
For  they  created  a  bedlamic  noise; 
But  who  could  well  help  to  with  them  rejoice. 
The  busy  farmer  was  plowing  his  field; 
Or  ascertaining  the  potato  yield; 
Or  gathering  in  whatever  they  had  sown; 
Or  threshing  with  flails,  by  fours,  or  alone; 
The  house-wives  were  working  over  their   flax; 
The  busy  woodman  was  using  his  ax; 
The  blacksmiths  were  forcibly  hammering; 
The  herd-maids  did  charming  melodies  sing; 
The  house  builders  were  working  and  drawing; 
And  chis'ling,  planing,  rubbing  and  sawing, 
And  for  the  people  ever  erecting 
Houses,  and  homes,  with   much   care   selecting. 
There  were  men  of  leisure,  who  pleasure  sought; 
And  busy  merchants  who  wares  sold  and  bought; 
The  stockman  raising  his  stock  and  his  shoats; 
The  milkmaid  milking  the  cows  and  the  goats. 
The  cattle  were  lowing  in  pastures  near; 
And  the  horse-neighings  we  also  could  hear, 
With  quacking  of  geese  and  bleating  of  sheep. 
In  tune  with  themselves  they  harmony  keep. 


The  Phantasmagoria. 


53 


And  yet,  they  keep  time  with  the  merry  song 

Of  human  voices  heard  all  the  day  long. 

With  amazement  I  stood,  and  mused  and  thought 

Over  the  wonderful  comfort  it  brought, 

For  folk-life  is  in  harmony  going, 

And  all  nature  must  be  better  growing. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

THEN  GABRIEL'S  TRUMPET  SOUNDED  FOR  JUDG 
MENT. 

As  I  mused  I  heard  a  blowing, 
Like  a  steamboat  whistle  going, 
With  a  shock  and  a  vibration, 
Which  penetrated  everything, 
And  distant  echoes  answering, 
Stirring  up  the  whole  creation. 


Yet  knew  I  not  from  whence  it  came, 
Nor  could  I  to  the  sound  give  name, 


The  Phantasmagoria.  55 

Until  I  heard  it  overhead, 

Then  some  wings  I  heard  a-flutter, 

And  a  clear  bassetto  utter: 

"For  the  judgment  arise,  3-6  dead!" 

THE   DEAD   AROSE   FROM   THEIR   GRAVES. 

Then  I  saw  the  ground  a-waving, 
Like  some  angry  billows  heaving 
Frail  sailing  barks  upon  the  main; 
And  I  heard  much  groan  and  wailing, 
Like  a  raging  storm  with  hailing, 
Or  like  the  noise  when  threshing  grain. 

All  around  me  I  saw  popping 
Children,  men  and  women,  hopping 
Up  from  the  ground  close  where  I  stood. 
Closely  watching  their  expressions, 
I  could  hear  them  make  confessions. 
Some  thought  it  bad,  some  thought  it  good. 

TO   JOY. 

But  for  them  there  was  no  choosing, 
The}7  must  go  their  way  rejoicing 
If  well  they  had  it  so  the}7  could. 
Each  must  go  and  meet  his  Master; 
Try  his  fortune,  or  disaster; 
Each  hoped  to  have  it  as  he  would. 


56  The  False  and  the  True. 


TO   SORROW. 

Some  were  scowling,  howling,  crying, 

And  in  every  way  a-trying 

To  find  some  shelter  for  themselves; 

But  were  dragged  by  pure  volitions 

To  their  places  and  positions, 

Clear  in  front  of  the  judgment  shelves. 

Still  the  angel  kept  a-going, 
And  his  golden  horn  a-blowing, 
While  a  due  eastward  course  he  led. 
As  he  blew  and  kept  a-calling — 
Trees  and  rocks  were  shaking,  falling — 
"Arise  for  judgment,  all  ye  dead!" 

THEY   SHALL   COME   BEFORE   HIS   THRONE. 

When  the  angel  passed  on,  eastward, 
I  turned  my  eyes  to  the  westward, 
Where  an  imposing  scene  I  saw: 
There  was  God,  the  Father,  sitting, 
A  bright  halo  round  him  glit'ring, 
And  He  before  Him  had  the  law. 

THE  BOOKS  SHALL  BE  OPENED. 

At  his  left  hand  sat  the  spirit 
With  a  book  of  records.     From  it 


The  Phantasmagoria.  57 

He  read  account  of  each,  and  name. 
When  a  sinner  came  before  him, 
With  his  eyes  he  tried  to  gore  him : 
"I  find  you  doubly  here  to  blame!" 

AND  THEY  SHALL  BE  JUDGED  ACCORDING  TO 
THE  DEED  DONE  IN  THE  BODY. 

At  his  right  hand  sat  the  Savior 
His  mein  was  mild  with  behavior 
As  if  he  had  a  human  heart. 
God,  the  Father,  kept  a-scolding, 
Over  them  the  law  a-holding, 
And  bidding  each  one  to  depart. 

I  WAS  HUNGRY  AND  THOU  GAYEST  ME  NAUGHT 
TO  EAT. 

"To  the  left  thou  canst  be  drawing, 
And  in  anguish  shalt  be  gnawing 
Thy  wicked  soul  in  suf  rings  drear." 
But  the  Son  kept  on  a-holding, 
And  was  busily  unfolding 
The  sinners'  favors,  to  him  dear. 

"REMEMBER  THERE  is  AN  ADVOCATE  NEAR  THE 

FATHER." 
Yet  the  Spirit  kept  on  calling 


58  The  False  and  the  True. 


Each  sin-account,  and  each  falling, 
And  the  stern  Judge  was  on  his  side. 
Still  the  Son  stopped  not  his  pleading, 
And  oft  their  forgiveness  reading; 
By  which  the  court  had  to  abide. 

THE  SHEEP. 

Then  the  Father  changed  the  finding 
Of  the  culprit,  on  him  binding 
A  long  white  robe  and  golden  chain: 
"Enter  now,  thou  faithful  servant, 
Into  Heaven.     Thou'st  been  fervent 
In  believing  in  my  Son's  gain." 

"WHEN  SAW  WE  THEE  HUNGRY  AND  GAVE  THEE 
NO  MEAT?" 

There  I  saw  so  many  coming, 

And  the  most  of  them  kept  humming 

Some  flattering  praises  to  the  Lamb. 

Then,  when  before  the  court  they  came, 

And  in  the  Lamb's  book  found  no  name, 

They  quickly  changed  their  tunes,  and  damned. 

THE   GOATS. 

Then  in  anger  they  were  raving, 
For  a  Master  now  was  craving 


2'he  Phantasmagoria.  59 

Full  adherence  to  his  command. 
'Twas  the  Devil  who  had  gained  them, 
And  by  trickery  retained  them; 
For  full  nine-tenths  of  men  were  damned. 

WHAT  LESSONS  WE  MAY  DRAW  FROM  THE  SCENE. 

There  I  stood  aghast,  observing 
Peaceful  nature's  love  conserving 
Life's  harmony,  so  bright  and  good. 
Which  the  judgment  came  a-foiling; 
And  its  beaut}'  God  was  spoiling. 
In  seeking  human  gore  and  blood. 

WHY    DESTROY    ENTIRE   NATURE    BECAUSE  OF 
MAX'S  SIN? 

"Is  this  true,  or  am  I  dreaming 
Of  a  scene  in  life,  with  meaning 
Which  I  should  know  and  understand? 
Shall  this  fair  world  now  be  destroyed, 
And  benign  nature  be  decoyed 
Into  it,  too,  because  of  man?" 


PARJT  HI. 

CHAPTER  VIII. 


DOES   NOT  GOD   BELITTLE   HIS  OWN  ABILITIES  BY 
THE   FALL   OF   MAN? 

Close  beside  me  stood  a  stranger, 

Whom  I  asked:  "What  caused  this  danger 

To  the  weal  of  the  human  race  ? 

Is  not  man  by  God  created  ? 

By  His  spirit  saturated  ? 

Then  why  does  He  His  work  disgrace  ?" 

THE   ANSWER  WE  RECEIVE  FROM  THE  TEACHERS. 

"You  should  know  it  was  the  Devil, 
Who  is  always  up  to  evil 
In  places  where  his  feet  get  in, 
Who  became  the  ruling  master, 
Through  a  wager's  bad  disaster, 
By  tricking  mankind  into  sin." 

IS     NOT     THE     CREATOR     GREATER     THAN     THE 
CREATURE  ? 

uWho  can  trick  the  wise  and  mighty  ? 
Who  believes  so  must  be  flighty, 


The  Phantasmagoria.  61 


Or  much  deluded  by  a  whim. 
God  is  ever  wise  and  glorious, 
And  must  always  be  victorious 
Over  that  which  opposes  Him  !" 

SEEK    AND   YE   SHALL   FIND. 

"O  mortal  man!  with  searching  mind. 
You  ever  seek  until  you  find 
The  mystic  key  to  the  life's  springs; 
From  whence  you  came;   whereto  you  go; 
What  causes  life;  what  makes  things  gro\v; 
What  dams  the  Soul;  and  saving  brings.'1 

KNOCK    AND    IT    SHALL    BE    OPENED    TO    YOU 

"This  scene  in  life,  as  shown  to  you, 
Has  meanings  which  will  help  you  to 
The  religious  lore  interpret. 
Man's  future  life,  his  fallen  state, 
Salvation,  and  his  tragic  fate, 
Have  by  teachers  been  perverted." 


CHAPTER  IX. 

WHAT   GOD    IS. 

"Yea,  God  is  great!  His  will  is  done: 
Though  but  the  image  of  each  one 
Who  beholds  his  omnipotence. 
He  fills  immensity  of  space; 
Through  the  Life-ocean,  by  his  grace, 
We  are  in  his  omnipresence." 

WHERE    GOD    IS    FOUND. 

"He's  center  and  circumference 
Of  everything,  with  difference 
In  structure,  being,  and  in  form! 
He  is  in  and  through  every  law; 
He  can  repel,  and  also  draw; 
He  is  in  air,  in  rock  and  worm." 

WHAT    GOD    IS    LIKE. 

"He's  soul-like  and  material, 
Crystalic  and  ethereal, 
And  He  is  the  Great  All-Father; 
The  chemical  intelligence, 
Which  by  its  constant  diligence 
The  unfolding  life-germs  gather." 


The  Phantasmagoria.  63 

WHAT    RELATION  DOES  MAN  BEAR  TO  GOD. 

"In  him  we  move,  in  him  we  live! 

Yet  has  no  form  till  egos  give 

To  Him  the  same,  when  through  Him  born, 

And  cosmic  force  is  his  true  name. 

All  life-egos  pass  through  the  same 

Organic  channels  into  form. 

GOD  AS  SPIRIT  AND  GOD  AS  SOUL. 

As  spirit,  God — in  nature's  course — 
Is  everywhere  as  cosmic  force; 
But  as  the  Universal  Soul 
Is  reasoning,  progressive  mind 
Evolved  from  the  organic  kind, 
Till  all  are  under  his  control. 

FAITH. 

Although  his  form  we  shape  and  mould 
His  ever-presence  we  behold, 
And  from  him  food  and  strength  receive; 
Man  is  so  made  that  he  can  draw 
To  himself  life  from  Him  through  law 
Of  faith,  and  can  himself  relieve. 

WHAT   GOD   DOES. 
4<  When  ever  he  bv  love  is  bound 


64  The  False  and  the   True. 


To  crude  matter,  then  he  is  found 
In  the  sexes'  close  relation. 
Then  Devil-Hate  comes  on  his  course 
And  causes  quarrels  and  divorce, 
Scattering  the  new  formation." 

GOD    AND    DEVIL. 

"Hence  we  find  that  Good  and  Evil, 
Act  the  same  as  God  and  Devil, 
And  both  are  functions  of  life's  state. 
When  a  substance  comes  between  them 
They  stop  quarreling  and  unite,  then 
They  act  as  one — which  is  life's  fate." 

HOW  FAR  THEY  AGREE. 

"And  in  unison  keep  moving 
In  life's  pleasure,  still  improving, 
Until  it  cannot  hunger  sate. 
Then  there  comes  dissatisfaction, 
With  a  quarrel  and  a  friction, 
Hence  find  it  best  to  separate." 

LAW  OF  GROWTH. 

'"Organic  life  is  a  river 

Of  cell-lives,  and  keeping  ever 

The  cells  at  work  to  feed  the  soul, 


The  Phantasmagoria.  65 

Which  in  return  are  by  him  fed; 

Thus  food  through  blood  is  to  them  led; 

Through  birth  and  death  each  meets  his  goal." 

DIGESTION. 

"The  cell-egos  manufacture — 
By  fermenting  and  cell-fracture — 
Two  forces  which  they  cannot  use. 
One  is  too  high,  the  other  low. 
The  high  force  does  as  soul-food  go, 
Whilst  lower  lives  the  lowest  use." 

ALIMENTATION. 

"Thus  the  food  which  man  is  eating, 

Causing  pleasure  at  its  meeting, 

Contains  thousands  of  living  cells, 

Wrhich  are  crushed,  and  mashed,  and  melted, 

In  the  stomach's  furnace  smelted 

To  yield  its  product  which  is  Hell!" 

EXPULSION    OF   WASTE. 

" After  yielding  up  its  treasure 
It  is  expelled,  with  much  pleasure; 
If  long  retained  it  causes  pains; 
And  sickness  follows  in  its  wake, 

\,\  B  R  A 
OF  THE 

UNIVERSITY 

OF 


66  The  False  and  the   True. 


And  death  will  soon  him  overtake, 
If  for  some  cause  it  still  remains." 

IT    IS     THE     SOUL     WHICH     HAS     NEED    OF    THE 

AURA    GENERATED    BY    CELL-LIFE. 
u  'Tis  God's  law  which  does  the  crushing, 
Whilst  the  Spirit  is  them  rushing 
Into  the  stomach's  caldron  hot, 
Where  the  Devil  tortures,  goads  them; 
From  their  sex-force  he  unloads  them; 
But  the  ego  he  touches  not." 

WHAT   PORTION    OF   THE    FOOD   IS   RETAINED. 

uFor  the  sex-force  of  the  cell-life 
Goes  to  feed  the  body's  soul-life; 
And  cell-ghosts  go  to  higher  planes, 
There  to  enter  higher  sex-life, 
And  to  feed  the  highest  soul-life. 
Thus  life  goes  on,  and  ever  gains." 

OTHER    LIBERATING    FORCES  OF  NATURE. 

"There  are  many  solving  forces — 
Each  through  Nature  ever  courses, 
As  light  and  darkness,  heat  and  cold — 
Which  bring  to  life,  and  separate; 
The  old  destroy,  and  new  create; 
And  each  step  gained  the  spirits  hold." 


The  Phantasmagoria.  67 

EVOLUTION    OF    THE   SPIRIT: 

uFor  each  ego  always  chooses 
Force  like  himself,  which  he  uses 
To  his  own  hunger  satisfy. 
Whereby  he  gains  his  highest  bound 
On  the  unfolding  ladder's  round, 
And  is  thus  saved  and  glorified." 


CHAPTER    X. 

MAN'S    OBTUSENESS    OF   UNDERSTANDING: 

".Who  can  this  subject  comprehend, 
Or  to  its  highest  point  ascend! 
For  life  and  matter  have  e'er  been. 
But  tell  me  how  it  came  about, 
So  many  different  forms  came  out, 
Which  through  creation  we  have  seen?" 

EARTH'S  SEVEN  CREATIVE  PERIODS: 

"AND  THE  EVENING  AND  THE  MORNING  WAS  THE 

THIRD  DAY." 

4 'Suns,  stars  and  worlds  formed  on  their  ways, 
On  various  creation  davs: 


68  The  False  and  the  True. 

On  the  earth's  third  life-egos  came 
In  vap'rous  fogs,  formed  vegetation, 
Snakes  and  fish;  from  fourth's  creation 
The  fossil  monsters  make  their  fame." 


"AND  THE    EVENING   AND   THE    MORNING   WAS 
THE  SIXTH  DAY." 

uOn  the  fifth  the  mammalians,  grand, 
Of  all  descriptions  came  to  hand, 
From  models,  varied,  high  and  new; 
The  sixth  day  was  the  bipeds'  day: 
Four  kinds  of  men  appeared.     They  say 
That  mother  Eve  came  last  in  view." 


"ON  THE  SEVENTH  DAY  HE   RESTED    FROM    ALL    HIS 

WORK." 

"The  seventh  day  is  now  at  hand, 
And  winter  has  been  o'er  the  land, 
Light  and  darkness  have  been  wrestling 
During  winter,  and  the  sun's  fall — 
From  whence  came  sin's  own  bitter  gall: 
From  new  work  God  has  been  resting." 


CHAPTER  XL 

HOW     THE     CREATION     OF     MAX     APPEARS     TO     THK 
QUESTIONER. 

Damnation  came  through  Adam's  fall, 

Whilst  the  Creator  caused  it  all; 

And  did  not  show  omnipotence, 

In  not  sparing  His  only  Son, 

And  from  sin's  sting  save  even-  one: 

Did  He  then  show  his  competence? 

THE  LAW  OF  UNFOLDMENT. 

"The  molecules  from  atoms  grow; 
Through  protoplasm  egos  go, 
On  the  life-unfolding-ladder. 
On  top  we  find  the  human  race, 
With  one  foot  on  the  highest  place, 
And  in  spirit  realms  the  other. 

THE  FOUR  PERIODS  OF  LIFE. 

"Each  living  thing  has  four  life-zones: 
Spring,  Summer,  Fall,  then  Winter  comes, 
When  all  lives  must  be  protected. 
Each  has  its  morning,  noon  and  night; 
Birth,  youth,  and  life,  then  comes  death's  flight, 
From  which  each  is  resurrected." 


CHEMIC    FORCES 


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nos 


27ie  Phantasmagoria.  71 

THE  CROSS  AND  SIX  CONSTELLATIONS 

HAVING  TWELVE  SATELLITES 

MOVING    AROUND    ONE 

GREAT  CENTER. 

By  this  chart  we  endeavor  to  represent  the 
true  cross.  The  trinity  in  the  unity  of  God. 
The  sun  for  the  center  of  the  Chaldean  and 
Caesarian  constellations — or  our  months  of  the 
year. 

The  earth  at  the  solstitial  lines,  December 
2ist,  enters  the  grave  and  lies  therein  until 
the  25th  of  December,  where  we  find  the  Savior 
thus  lies  in  the  grave  and  rises  on  the  25th.  At 
March  2ist,  we  find  the  maturity  of  the  Savior, 
where  he  commences  to  create  and  heal  the  sick 
— the  spring.  And  Nature  rises  from  the  grave 
wherein  the  year  at  Christmas  laid.  The  sol 
stitial  line  is  crossed  by  the  equatorial  line,  and 
has  thus  one  hand  nailed  to  the  cross.  He  rises 
to  heaven  on  the  2ist  of  June,  where  His  feet 
are  nailed  to  the  cross.  He  remains  in  heaven 
until  the  ?5th  of  June,  whence  he  descends. 
And  the  other  hand  is  nailed  to  the  cross  Sep 
tember  2ist,  when  the  fall  of  the  year  comes  to 
a  close;  and  from  thence  to  December  2ist  he 


72  The  False  and  the  True. 


dies  upon  the  cross,  or  descends  into  Hell,  where 
he  remains  until  December  25th,  when  he  rises 
from  death.  The  trinity  is  represented  by  the 
Sun,  Earth  and  Sunlight:  the  earth  being 
crossed  by  the  solstitial  and  equatorial  lines; 
hence  Sunlight  is  nailed  on  the  earth  cross,  and 
is,  therefore,  Christ. 

Now  in  this  constellation  we  have  four  periods: 
spring,  summer,  fall  and  winter.  In  the  physi 
cal  we  have  also  four,  namely:  youth,  maturity, 
old  age  and  death.  Since  there  is  a  trinity  in 
the  unity  of  God,  there  must  be  four;  as  three 
are  in  one,  there  must  be  one  to  contain  them 
all.  This  fact  nature  proves  to  be  true,  for 
darkness  is  an  important  factor  in  life.  Dark 
ness  is,  therefore,  the  fourth  person  in  the  God 
head.  Thus:  Earth,  Darkness,  Sunlight  and 
the  Sun.  And  to  the  physical  life-cross  we  have 
the  soul,  where  we  have  youth,  maturity,  old 
age,  and  continuation  of  life  through  death: 
Father  —  the  seed  —  Mother — darkness — Child 
and  Soul.  These  are  the  four  seasons  on  the 
earth  and  the  physical  crosses,  and  the  four  per 
sons  contained  within  each  respective  Godhead: 
SUN  and  SOUL,  where,  in  each,  one  contains  the 
three. 


The  Phantasmagoria.  73 


In  the  Chaldean  and  Caesarian  constellations 
we  find  there  are  13  gods,  or  12  signs  of  the 
zodiac,  with  the  sun  for  the  center,  making  13. 
Twelve  months  in  the  year,  with  the  earth  for 
the  center,  making  13.  In  the  Christian  con 
stellation,  we  find  there  are  12  disciples,  and 
Christ  for  the  center,  making  13.  In  the  Asar 
constellation,  we  find  there  are  12  gods,  and  Odin 
for  the  center,  making  13.  In  the  Hellenic  con 
stellation,  we  find  there  are  12  gods,  with  Zeus 
for  the  center,  making  13.  And  in  the  Latin 
constellation,  Jupiter  for  the  center  and  12  gods, 
making  13. 

This  we  can  extend  to  Egyptian  and  to  many 
of  the  Indian  cults,  of  which  we  have  but  slight 
knowledge,  and  therefore  will  not  describe  them. 
That  they  are  similar  and  derived  from  the  same 
source  is  shown  by  the  six  constellations  we 
have  traced.  In  each  there  are  12  gods  and  al 
ways  a  central  figure,  the  greater  one  for  the 
center,  meaning  the  year;  each  god  representing 
a  month,  or  a  moon  cycle,  having  12  complete 
moon  cycles.  And  in  the  I3th  moon  cycle,  the 
Hercules,  in  the  Hellenic  lore,  raises  Prome 
theus,  who  was  bound  for  the  sins  of  mankind 
upon  the  Scythian  crag,  and  thus  tortured  by 


74  The  False  and  the  True. 

the  vultures — Time — until  the   thirteenth  gen 
eration,  which  indicates  a  year  cycle. 

The  year  cycle  is  greater  than  the  moon  cycle; 
therefore,  the  year  God  is  always  greater  than 
the  moon  God. 


THE  CAUSE  OF  THE  CROSS. 

"All  things  that  are  have  opposites. 
Each  at  the  axis  deposits 
The  results  of  its  conduction. 
Good  and  evil  bring  Love  and  Hate; 
Life  and  death,  birth  and  age  create; 
Thus  a  cross  is  the  production." 

THE  TRINITY  IN  THE  UNITY  OF  GOD. 

"Wise  sages  have  us  taught  of  yore, 
God  is  three  in  one" — and  thus  four — 
"Co-existent  with  the  Father." 
Since,  only  one  contains  them  all, 
The  other  three  into  one  fall. 
Oft  this  truth  does  teachers  bother. 

THE  FOUR  LIFE-UNFOLDING  FORCES  IN  NATURE. 

The  Cosmic-Force,  Sun,  Light  and  Earth 


The  Phantasmagoria.  75 

Are  Gods  and  parents  that  gave  birth 
To  Spirit,  Father,  Mother,  Soul. 
Yet  earth-father  and  earth-mother 
Are  of  the  child  only  mother; 
But  Darkness  does  much  power  hold." 

THE  CREATIVE  FORCES. 

"The  Earth  is  dame,  the  Sun  is  sire. 

He  begets  Light  which  does  inspire 

The  spirit  growth  in  the  earth-womb, 

Where  Darkness  reigns,  whilst  the  germ  grows; 

Sun-light  brings  rain — for  friends  and  foes — 

And  earth-life  rises  from  his  tomb." 

THE  TRINITY  IN  THE  UNITY  OF  LIFE: 
"I  AND  MY  FATHER  ARE  ONE." 

"He^s  one  in  three,  and  three  in  one: 
He  is  the  soul,  and  His  own  son, 
For  He  of  himself  is  father — 
Though  growing  from  the  parent  tree, 
Where  the  germ  is  by  male  set  free, 
And  the  soil  comes  from  mother." 

WHY  THE  SON  OF  GOD  TAKES  UPON  HIMSELF  MAN'S 

STATE. 

"God's  holy  spirit  is  the  soul. 
In  striving  for  unfoldment's  goal. 
He  is  crucified  with  matter; 


The  False  and  the   True. 


And  thus  becomes  Adamic  man, 
To  get  unfoldment  where  he  can 
His  own  bondage-fetters  shatter." 

HOW  NEW  SPECIES  COME  INTO  EXISTENCE  AT  EACH 
CREATION  SPRINGTIME. 

"Free  souls  plunge,  each  creation  morn, 
Into  a  soil-bath  and  thus  form 
Species  which  are  both  high  and  new: 
By  will  they  hold  or  let  it  go; 
Thus  soul  and  mortal  life  they  know; 
And  are  unseen  or  come  to  view." 

EACH   CREATION'S   FALL-TIME: 

"THEY   SAW   THEY    WERE   NUDE    AND    MADE    THEM 
SELVES   APRONS   OF   FIG   LEAVES." 

"But  when  creation's  spring  has  passed, 

And  crystal  egos  are  held  fast, 

No  new  species  come  into  form. 

Except  they  pass  through  generation, 

Nature's  hot-house  for  creation  — 

Hence  are  through  love  by  parents  born." 

"HE   MADE  THEM  DRESSES  OF  ANIMAL  SKINS." 

Till  the  sun's  middle  autumn  days, 
Mankind  dwelt  in  peace,  and  no  frays 


The  Phavtasmagona.  77 

Were  known  on  earth.     O,  Happy  land! 
As  fall-time  into  winter  drew, 
It  changed,  and  each  year  colder  grew, 
Till  Eden's  bliss  fled  from  the  land. 

DRIVEN  FROM  THE  GARDEN  OF  EDEN. 

They  house  and  clothing  must  invent; 
They  food  must  store,  or  much  repent 
Their  gross  negligence  with  sorrow; 
Sow,  reap  and  spin  they  had  to  learn; 
They  'customed  indolence  must  spurn 
To  provide  means  for  the  morrow. 

HOW  ADAM  AND  EVE  FELL. 

Thus  Adam  fell  not  down,  but  up, 

He,  through  unfoldment,  spurned  sin's  cup, 

Which  brought  to  the  world  damnation: 

It  was  not  his  fall,  but  the  Sun's, 

That  within  his  own  orbit  runs 

Into  fall-time  of  creation. 

THE  FOUR  SEASONS  IN  EACH  CREATION  PERIOD. 

"The  earth  travels  around  the  sun, 
As  she  for  untold  years  has  done; 
And  each  cycle  has  four  seasons. 


The  False  and  the   True. 


So  the  sun  with  his  satellites, 

Through  his  own  orbits  takes  his  flights, 

With  four  parts  in  each  creation." 


The  Phantasmagoria.  79 


KEY  TO  THE  FALSE  AXD  THE  TRUE. 

In  The  False  and  The  True — our  cover 
diagram — we  have  placed  the  Christian  constel 
lation  with  J.  X.  R.  J. — Jesu  Xasarene  Rex 
Judeorem — on  the  cross  in  the  center,  and  the 
Chaldic  constellation,  the  signs  of  the  zodiac 
and  the  Caesarian  constellation,  our  months  of 
the  year,  with  the  Sun  for  center,  and  the  earth 
in  its  respective  positions  at  the  different  seasons 
of  the  year.  A  line  drawn  from  these  positions 
marks  the  true  cross,  while  we  have  placed  the 
objective  cross  with  the  Sun  and  J.  X.  R.  J.  in 
center,  and  continued  the  same  beyond  the  con 
stellations  and  placed  it  on  the  only  true  Calvary 
in  existence;  signifying  the  three  steps  or  stages 
physical  life  must  pass  through,  and  what  none 
can  do  for  another.  The  Phalic,  Maltese, 
Egyptian  and  Greek  crosses  represent  this  kind 
of  crucifixion,  while  the  Latin  cross  is  a  purely 
stellar  cross.  Thus  the  man  on  the  cross  stand 
ing  on  the  Calvary  signifies  that  each  physical 
life  is  on  the  cross  as  a  Redeemer  for  himself, 
and  while  there  also  suffers  from  the  sins  of  the 
world.  Death  separates  the  material  held  in 


80  The  False  and  the    True. 

motion  by  the  soul,  and  the  material  returns  to 
earth  to  again  rise  into  other  forms,  whilst  the 
soul  enters  into  higher  realms,  called  Heaven. 
(Christ  means  crossed,  or  one  who  is  crossed — 
hence  physical  life.)  Other  Christs  placed  on 
other  Calvaries  have  no  foundations  in  nature. 

We  find  the  cross  (and  in  India,  even  the  cru 
cifix)  existed  for  many  hundred  years  before  the 
Christian  era;  it  is  found  on  the  breast  of 
Tiglath  Pileser — a  colossal  tablet  from  Nimrod, 
etc.;  and  when  we  compare  one  cult-lore — read 
ing  from  their  traditions  and  symbols — with 
another,  we  cannot  help  seeing  this  great  fact — 
that  all  come  from  the  common  source,  SUN 
and  SOUL  worship. 

Sunlight  is  ever  the  Savior  in  the  vegetable 
and  animal  world.  The  soul  is  the  Savior  in 
physical  life. 


THE  FORMATION  OF  THE    CROSS   ON    WHICH    CHRIST 
IS  NAILED. 

"Each  in  the  orbit  marks  a  cross, 

And  when  we  sift  truth  from  the  dross 

Of  priestly  lore:  SUN-LIGHT  IS  CHRIST. 

At  each  sun's  sun's  creation  time 


The  Phantasmagoria.  81 

We  are  at  his  equator's  line, 
Where  the  solsticial  line  is  crossed." 

HOW   EACH    NEW    CREATION    PERIOD    COMES    ABOUT. 

uThen  merge  from  winter  into  spring, 
Which  with  it  many  changes  bring 
To  the  contour  of  the  surface. 
Then  old  and  useless  pass  away, 
And  new  and  useful  come  to  stay, 
To  the  living  render  service." 

THE   ORIGIN    OF   THE    MYTHOLOGIES. 

"If  orbits  we  divide  by  four, 
Or  by  the  lunar  cycles  lore, 
Among  the  astral  constellations 
We  find  the  cross  with  deities 
Of  all  the  old  mythologies, 
And  the  Christian  revelations." 

CHRIST   DIES,    RISES  FROM  DEATH,  GOES  TO   HEAVEN, 
AND    DECENDS   INTO    HELL. 

"December  twenty-first,  light  dies; 
He  on  the  twenty-fifth  does  rise; 
March  twenty-first  is  crucified; 
And  in  June  he  goes  to  Heaven, 
Whence  he  comes  for  dead  and  living; 
Then  as  Savior  is  glorified." 


82 


The  False  and  the   True. 


IF  I  GO  NOT  FROM  YOU  I  CANNOT  SEND  THE 
COMFORTER. 

"Light  dies:  Whilst  three  days  in  his  tomb, 

We  are  in  darkness  and  in  gloom, 

And  in  the  deepest  depths  of  Hell. 

After  three  days  comes  he  again, 

And  all  his  glory  does  regain — 

Which  new  creation-work  does  tell." 


VP  ff  V1U  OTJFTsl 


The  Phantasmagoria.  83 

THE  FIRST  ADAM'S  FALL;  THE  SECOND  ADAM'S 
RESTORATION. 

"Sunlight  is  Christ.     He  saves  us  all. 
The  suns  are  God:  They  caused  the  fall; 
The  Holy  Ghost  earth  germinates. 
Light  is  the  one  who  comes  again, 
And  in  his  glory  does  remain. 
Germ,  earth  and  light,  the  soul  creates." 

HOW  PROVEN. 

"He  gives  four  seasons  of  each  year, 
Through  all  creation's  solar  sphere; 
And  likewise  to  the  human  race. 
He  gives  winter,  spring,  summer,  fall, 
And  life  and  death,  the  grave  and  pall. 
New  life  in  spring  conies  by  his  grace." 

IS  THE  CREATION'S  YEAR  LIKE  OUR  YEAR,  MINUS  TIME? 

The  earth  is  round,  and  it  appears 
She  has  two  equal  hemispheres, 
And  in  each  year  two  winters  cold. 
We  likewise  know  that  there  are  two 
Bright  summer-times  brought  into  view, 
Then  each  vear  two  creations  hold? 


84  The  False  and  the   True. 

ONE  CREATIVE  SEASON  IN  THE  SUN'S  ORBIT  ONLY. 

By  observation  we  have  found 
The  earth's  orbit  is  almost  round, 
With  the  sun  near  its  center  parts; 
But  the  sun's  is  a  sharp  ellipse; 
His  center's  distal  point  eclipse 
His  active  energies  and  arts. 

Nor  like  the  earth  is  subject  to 
Bring  on  the  double  seasons  through 
Equato-Polar  hemispheres; 
When  it  is  springtime  on  the  sun 
To  his  satellites  creations  come, 
Till  middle  part  of  fall  is  near. 

The  sun's  winter  and  spring  are  long, 

His  summer  and  fall,  short  and  strong 

The  seasons  in  his  year  are  four. 

When  he  is  at  his  solstice  line, 

And  his  equator's  crossing  time, 

We  have  the  seasons  marked — no  more. 

WHEN   EACH   CREATION   PERIOD   COMMENCED. 

Earth  six  creation  days  has  had, 

When  all  was  made — both  good  and  bad. 

After  each  day  God  has  rested; 


The  Phantasmagoria.  85 


Creation  days  commenced  with  night. 
With  rest  and  blessed  sleep's  delight, 
Then  at  dawn  He  work  has  hasted. 

WHAT    IS    MEANT    BV    END    OF    TIME. 

"The  end  of  time  means  not  its  close. 
Each  season  in  the  next  one  goes, 
And  brings  life's  changes,  one  by  one. 
But,  at  the  sun's  creation  da}' 
Much  higher  species  come  to  stay. 
What  lived  before  it  still  lives  on." 

EVOLUTION  OF  THE  SPIRIT. 

"The  last  which  comes  is  highest,  best, 

And  becomes  ruler  of  the  rest, 

Who,  theretofore,  held  regal  swajr. 

The  soul  through  life  unfoldment  gains, 

And  his  ability  retains 

He  gathers  on  progression's  way." 

THE  FORMATION  OF  NEW  SPECIES. 

"We  are  now  in  the  seventh  day; 
The  night  has  almost  passed  away, 
And  God  will  soon  again  create: 
The  new  that  comes  is  by  election 
Of  soul-life,  and  thus  reflection 
Of  matter  which  the}-  permeate." 


CHAPTER  XII. 

WHAT  RELATION  OUR  ACTS  HOLD  TO  THOSE  OF  OUR 
FELLOW  MEN. 

"Man  born  of  woman,  like  the  flower, 
Lives  his  time,  then  worms  devour 
The  mortal  part,  which  soon  decays. 
How  do  his  acts  in  relation 
To  other  men,  in  life's  station, 
Affect  his  soul's  salvation  ways?" 

"YE  ARE  GODS  AND  CHILDREN  OF  THE  MOST  HIGH" 
FROM  SPIRIT  TO  SOUL. 

"All  life  has  spirit,  yet  the  souls, 

Of  all  mortals,  but  mankind  holds, 

For  they  to  God-hood  have  attained. 

Spirits  have  immortality, 

Still  not  the  soul's  ability, 

From  life's  unfolding  power  gained." 

LOVE  AND  HATE  ARE  ATTRIBUTES  OF  THE  SOUL. 

uThe  soul  has  two  marked  attributes 

In  harmony  which  contributes 

To  his  God-like  strength  and  beauty: 

And  we  may  term  them  Love  and  Hate; 

Defending  him,  or  marking  fate, 

In  his  pleasure  and  his  duty." 


T he  Phantasmagoria.  87 

HOW  THEY  OPERATE. 

"Pleading  love  is  always  drawing, 
And  cold  differences  thawing, 
To  his  power  the  greater  make. 
Chilling  hate  is  separating 
What  disturbance  is  creating, 
And  souls  try  to  in  bondage  take." 

THE   SOUL   IS    MAX'S    SAVIOR: 

"As  light  is  savior  of  what  grows 
And  comes  to  life,  and  decay  goes, 
So  the  soul  is  savior  of  man  ; 
He  does  opposing  forces  meet; 
In  constant  fights  does  them  defeat 
In  life's  battles,  the  best  he  can." 

THE   SOUL   SUFFERS   OX   THE    CROSS   OF   MATTER 
FOR  HIS  SIXS,  AND  IS  THEN  PHYSICAL  MAX! 

''He's  nailed  to  the  cross  of  matter: 
When  in  control  of  the  latter, 
He  has  health  in  physical  life. 
But  when  it  heeds  not  his  calling, 
Disease  upon  him  is  falling, 
And  separation  ends  the  strife." 


88  The  False  and  the   True. 

DOES   MAN   SUFFER   FROM   SINS? 

"Sins,  with  all  their  co-relation, 
Bring  man  no  real  condemnation, 
But  only  his  soul's  progress  mark; 
Yet  those  he  thwarts  upon  life's  way, 
Through  deeds  of  justice  he  must  pay, 
For  each  to  other's  wants  must  hark." 

ALL   LIVE   FROM    ONE   COMMON   SOURCE: 

"Each  living  thing  which  on  earth  goes 
Takes  its  nourishment  from  what  grows 
On  grand  Nature's  life-giving  tree; 
And  from  that  common  source,  benign, 
Progression's  course  is  theirs  and  mine: 
No  one  is  saved  till  all  are  free." 

THE    SOUL    CONTROLS  THE   MATTER  WITHIN   ITS 

OWN  BODY: 

" Mortal  man  is  but  a  drama, 

Or  a  changing  panorama, 

And  made  thus  by  his  love  and  hate; 

As  the  body  is  but  motion 

Of  other  lives  in  Time's  ocean, 

Held  in  contact  by  the  soul  great." 


2 Vie  Phantasmagoria.  89 

THEIR  DEEDS  DO  FOLLOW  THEM  AFTER: 

"Those  who  are  damned  have  been  winning 

Prizes  in  the  race  of  sinning, 

From  which  they  want  themselves  to  save; 

There  in  anguish  they  are  crying 

For  their  paying  of  their  buying. 

Evil  surely  its  own  does  crave." 

THE  JUDGES  BY  WHOM  ONE  IS  JUDGED: 

uFor  the  soul  is  unrelenting 

On  his  own  deeds,  and  repenting — 

Yet,  on  good  and  bad  th?  light  shines. 

He  is  his  Judge  and  accuser \ 

Advocate  and  prosecutor, 

Until  he  right,  through  justice,  finds" 

TO-DAY  IS  THE   JUDGMENT  DAY  I 

"  The  Ever-Now  is  judgment  day. 
Resurrection  morn  is  when  clay 
And  soul  do  part  from  this  life-cross. 
The  soul  and  the  life  forces  judge 
His  acts  and  deeds,  and  do  them  purge 
Till  free  from  every  sin  and  cause" 

WHERE  THE  SAVIOR  DWELLS: 
"God  in  man — the  Soul — is  savior! 


go  The  False  and  the 


In  life's  physical  behavior 
His  sin's  fire  he  must  pass  through; 
But  cosmic  force  helps  the  changes, 
Which  in  graded  steps  arranges, 
Till  he  has  nothing  more  to  do." 

THE  LAW: 

"'Tis  the  law  of  all  creation! 
'Tis  the  law  for  man  and  nation ! 
But  yet,  so  little  understood! 
We  must  ever  strive  to  make  it 
As  we  want  it,  and  then  take  it 
Just  as  it  comes,  and  call  it  good." 

THE  BEWILDERING  STATE  OF  THE  MIND  WHEN 
SEEING  THE  ERRORS  OF  A  LONG- 
ACCEPTED  FAITH. 

Then  he  went,  and  I  stood  sighing, 
Looking,  wondering,  and  vying 
With  myself,  and  what  there  I  saw; 
As  the  scenes  were  still  before  me, 
And  my  conscience  somewhat  scored  me; 
For  I  did  not  understand  the  law. 


PARJT  IV. 

CHAPTER   XIII. 

FAITH     IMBUED    FROM    CHILDHOOD     IS     HARD    TO 
ERADICATE. 

Up  to  me,  then,  came  my  father, 

And  know  not  when  I  was  gladder 

To  meet  a  man  than  I  was  him : 

UO,  my  son!  I'm  pleased  to  meet  you! 

And  most  heartily  I  greet  you! 

But,  through  Christ,  are  you  free  from  sin?" 

THE  HORROR  OF  TRUTH  WHEN  IN  CONFLICT  WITH 

FAITH: 

uNo!     My  son!  I  see  you've  fallen 
From  your  faith — which  is  appalling — 
But  you  have  yet  five  minutes'  time! 
Do  accept  it,  and  receive  it 
At  this  minute!     He  will  give  it. 
Duty,  pleasure,  we'll  then  combine." 

IT    IS    EASIER  TO    BREAK    FILIAL   TIES   THAN    AN 

ESTABLISHED   FAITH! 
"Here  I  cannot  tarry  longer, 
For  his  calling  is  much  stronger, 


92  The  False  and  the  True. 


And  I  go  to  the  Lord's  right  side! 
But  you,  rightly,  cannot  blame  me, 
For  in  childhood  I  have  taught  thee 
To  ever  in  His  faith  abide." 

THE  CONDEMNATION  LOVERS  OF  TRUTH  SUFFER. 

Then  my  sisters  and  my  brother 
Followed  closely  one  another, 
With  accusations  and  with  dread. 
And  my  mother  came,  a-trembling, 
Full  of  heart-love — she  resembling 
A  risen  angel  from  the  dead. 

THE  MOTHER-LOVE  BATTLING  WITH  INBORN  FEAR: 

"Oh,  my  son!  I  know  not  whether 
To  go  to  Heaven,  or  to  rather 
Stay  with  you,  John,  and  go  to  Hell! 
For  I  love  you  as  a  mother 
Only  can  do,  and  no  other!" 
This  o'ercame  me,  and  so  I  fell. 

FAITH   OFTEN  MASTERS   THE   STRONGEST  INTEL 
LECT. 

In  exhaustion  I  lay  sighing, 
Perhaps  praying,  or  a-crying — 
Whate'er  I  did,  I  cannot  tell. 


The  Phantasmagoria.  93 


Then  a  man  came  there  and  found  me, 
Put  his  strong  arms  firmly  'round  me, 
And  picked  me  up,  and  said:    u  'Tis  well." 

FEAR   OFTEN   INTERPRETS  THE  GOOD  AS   OMENS 

OF   EVIL. 

And  I  thought  it  was  the  Devil 
Taking  me  to  his  own  level, 
And  his  abode,  to  torture  there, 
Saying  firmly:    "Now,  stand  up,  sir! 
Exert  your  strength,  and  walk  up,  sir! 
Then  come,  and  follow  me  with  care." 

NATURE'S  HARMONY  SCATTERS  OUR  FEARS. 

In  obedience  I  followed — 
Rather  in  a  fear-swamp  wallowed — 
Yet  could  not  help  but  look  around. 
A  soft,  warm  light  sent  its  beaming, 
And  fond  nature's  love  was  teeming; 
All  was  so  lofty  and  profound. 

WE    SEE   THE    CHARMS   OF    LIFE    BEST  WHEN  WE 
ARE  ABOUT  TO  LEAVE  IT. 

Life  was  charming  more  than  ever, 
Paining  much  from  it  to  sever, 
But  was  then  drawing  to  a  close. 


94  The  False  and  the  True. 


He  over  hills  and  meadows  led; 
I  in  his  footsteps  forced  to  tread, 
Until  we  came  to  two  fine  roads. 

LIFE'S  LESSONS  VARY. 

Then  on  the  southward  road  we  went, 
Where  the  scenes  charms  to  my  sight  lent; 
With  lofty  shade  trees  on  each  side, 
Vineyards,  orchards  and  gardens,  too. 
It  was  a  stately  avenue, 
With  winding  course,  so  even,  wide. 

WE    OFTEN    FIND    TREASURES    OF    LOVE    WHERE 
LEAST   EXPECTED. 

Through  a  portal  we  entered  in 
To  a  fine  park's  delightful  scene, 
Where  lawns  were  trimmed  and  fresh 

and  green. 
Among  its  vines  and  flowers  we  wound, 

And  near  some  splendid  trees  we  found 

A  charming  cottage  in  between. 

LIFE  IS  A  BUILDER  FOR  GOOD  OR  EVIL. 

''Behold  your  future  home  of  rest! 
Is  it  not  fine,  and  of  the  best? 
How  will  you  like  to  here  reside?" 


The  Phantasmagoria.  95 


But  waited  not  for  my  answer, 
Opening  a  door,  said:    "Walk  in,  sir; 
This  is  your  home,  and  here  abide." 

FEAR  PREVENTS  US  FROM  ENJOYING  THAT  WHICH 
WE  POSSESS. 

But  I  thought  that  he  was  hoaxing, 
And  my  expectation  coaxing 
Up  to  a  high,  sublime  degree, 
For  to  crush  me  all  the  better, 
And  to  even  deeper  fetter 
My  poor  lost  soul  in  misery. 

uln  this  cushioned  chair  be  seated! 
In  your  home  be  kindly  greeted!" 
Then,  with  a  bow,  he  went  away. 
But  I  sat  there,  quite  dumbfounded — 
Fear  and  beauty  me  confounded — 
Where  I  was  put,  there  did  I  stay. 

THE  SPIRITUAL  EXISTS  PRIOR  TO  THE  MATERIAL. 

Still,  I  could  not  help  observing 
What  was  useful  and  deserving, 
And  thus  beheld  a  window  frame; 
Wherein  the  sash  could  be  lifted, 


96  The  False  and  the   True. 


And  stay  where  e'er  it  was  shifted; 
Kach  sash  had  but  a  single  pane. 

With  softest  carpets  on  the  floors; 
With  charming  rugs  in  front  of  doors; 
All  fine  as  silk  and  soft  as  moss; 
The  locks  were  in  the  doors  mortised; 
The  knobs  were  round,  and  I  noticed 
Were  made  of  gold,  free  from  the  dross. 

WHAT  APPEARS  TO  BK  THE  GREATEST  CALAMITY 
OFTEN   CONTAINS  THE  MOST  GOOD. 

Again  he  entered,  I  requesting 
Him  to  be  110  longer  jesting, 
But  inform  me  if  this  is  Hell. 
"This  is  your  life's  toil  and  labor; 
You  have  earned  it!     But,  as  neighbor, 
I  do  not  think  you  named  it  well." 

OUR  WORKS  DO  FOLLOW  US. 

Smilingly  he  went  on,  stating: 

4 'Earth's  thought-labors  are  creating 

Duplicates  on  the  spirit  shore. 

If  you  choose  to  term  life's  earnings 

Hell,  and  from  it  shape  your  yearnings, 

Hell  will  follow  forevermore. 


The  Phantasmagoria.  97 

IN    THE    MIDST   OF    MISERY   RIGHT    DESIRES    CAN 
CREATE  FOR  US  A  HEAVEN: 

"This  fine  home  I  would  call  Heaven! 
Free  from  all  contentious  leaven, 
No  greater  boon  can  man  receive! 
If  not  yet  perfect,  he  can  mend, 
And  from  henceforth  his  follies  end. 
Here  all  false  steps  he  may  retrieve/' 

WHEN  WE  FIND  THE  TRUTH  WE  HASTEN  TO  DRAW 
OUR  FRIENDS  FROM  ERROR: 

"This  my  home?     Can  I  believe  it? 
Then  a  moment  I  must  leave  it, 
And  go  before  the  judgment  seat 
To  fetch  my  mother  ere  she  goes 
Before  it,  where  she  may  find  foes, 
And  here  we  will  her  kindly  greet." 

IN  THE  ENDEAVOR  TO  DRAW  OTHERS  TO  OUR  OWN 

WAY  OF  THINKING  WE   OFTEN  BECOME  RASH 

AND  COMICAL,  EVEN  TO  OURSELVES. 

Then,  in  great  haste  from  thence  I  fled 
On  my  way — with  uncovered  head, 
The  mist  in  drops  all  o'er  me  showed; 
In  it  all  I  had  been  sitting, 


98  The  False  and  the  True 


Sleeping,  dreaming  and  forgetting 
My  weariness  and  heavy  load — 

Seeking  Mother's  dear,  gentle  face 
To  my  new  home  adorn  and  grace. 
No  tired  feelings  now  depressed. 
With  hat  in  hand  I  did  awake 
Running,  to  Mother  overtake, 
Bnt  now  my  fancy's  vision  missed. 


CHAPTER   XIV. 

PREMONITIONS. 

'Tis  over  thirty  years  ago 
Since  this  vision  did  to  me  show 
What  in  after  life  I've  found  true: 
The  locks,  the  carpets,  panes  of  glass, 
The  window-frames  with  sliding  sash, 
Were  then  some  things  I  never  knew. 

Nor  did  I  know  that  I  should  see 
The  grandest  land  of  liberty 
Upon  this  great  globe's  other  side, 
With  sunny,  semi-tropic  clime, 
With  institutions  grand,  sublime! 
Where  could  the  cause  of  it  reside! 


The  Phantasmagoria.  99 

I  did  not  question  then  the  lore 
My  nation  and  my  family  bore, 
But  took  it  simply  for  the  truth. 
Yet  in  after  life  have  gone  the  way 
Before  me  which  that  scene  did  lay, 
Whilst  but  a  small  and  frightened  youth. 

"KNOW  THE  TRUTH,  AND  THE  TRUTH  SHALL  MAKE 
YOU  FREE." 

Since  then  no  fear  of  judgment  day 
Has  strewn  fright-thorns  on  my  life's  way, 
Xor  fear  of  Hell  now  terrors  cause. 
Love's  harmony  shines  on  life's  pass, 
And  all  is  mine  which  nature  has; 
All  goes  according  to  God's  laws! 


PART    V. 
CORROBORATIVE  COMMENT 

Thus  ends  the  lay  and  story 
Of  the  mental  mirage  played 
On  a  boy's  imagination, 
By  the  priesthood  made  afraid. 
He,  in  his  fancy's  vision, 
Saw  a  kaleidoscopic  scene, 
Which  may  only  there  have  form, 
Yet  bears  mark  of  truthful  mein. 

The  facts  therein  referred  to, 
Although  ample  and  complete, 
Leave  many  untouched  subjects 
With  faith-mysteries  replete. 
To  help  the  understanding, 
Of  what  yet  to  us  seems  dark, 
Will  treat  on  cults  and  numbers, 
To  their  sacred  meanings  mark. 

CULTS  AND   SACRED    NUMBERS:    TWELVE    AND    THIR- 

TEEN. 

Twelve  is  a  sacred  number 
Throughout  the  mystic  lore, 
And  travels  'round  a  center, 


Corroborative   Comment.  101 

Hence  we  add  a  unit  more, 

Thus:    One  plus  twelve  make  thirteen, 

We  the  sacred  number  call. 

Twelve  tribes  had  ancient  Israel, 

With  the  Levites  priests  for  all; 

Jehovah  had  twelve  angels 
To  guide  this  world-estate; 
And  so  had  Zoroaster, 
To  dispense  to  man  his  fate; 
Jesus  had  twelve  disciples, 
Whilst  he  taught  them  what  to  do; 
He  was  for  them  the  center — 
They  were,  therefore,  thirteen,  too. 

Thirteen  gods  had  the  Hellens: 
And  likewise  did  ancient  Rome; 
And  thirteen  had  the  Asars, 
In  their  blest  Valhalla  home; 
The  Astral  Constellations 
Of  the  Zodiac  are  twelve; 
In  each  day  are  twelve  hours, 
And  the  same  in  night,  itself ; 

Then,  twelve  months  form  a  cycle, 
As  around  the  sun  we  go: 
From  their  united  labor 


IO2  The  False  and  the   True. 

What  to-day  exists,  does  grow. 
The  thirteenth  is  the  center 
Around  which  the  twelve  do  move, 
Whilst  each  performs  his  duty 
In  his  own  appointed  groove. 

CUBES. 

The  cubes  are  standard  units 

Of  all  weights  and  measurements, 

And  form  the  justice  balance 

Which  society  cements. 

Four  corners  has  each  square  plane 

If  from  each  a  line  we  draw, 

We  find  a  cross  in  center — 

The  emblem  of  life  and  law; 

And  also  four  triangles, 
The  compositors  of  life 
Thus:    Father,  Son  and  Spirit 
With  Earth  enter  into  strife; 
From  whence  appear  all  mortals, 
Who  assume  the  form  they  know, 
As  through  life's  narrow  portals 
Into  physical  they  go. 


IO4  The  False  and  the  True. 

FOUR  WOMEN. 

In  all  the  cults  where  twelves  are — 
Patriarchs,  Apostles,  Gods — 
The  center  has  four  women. 
Each  counsels  and  applauds. 
Four  are  with  Patriarch  Israel; 
Four  with  Job;  with  Christ  are  four; 
Four  have  Jupiter  and  Zeus; 
And  the  Asars,  too,  have  four. 

The  women  are  to  sunlight 
The  four  seasons  of  the  year, 
And  they  cause  all  the  verdure 
To  spring  forth  and  disappear. 
They  are  the  four  winds  blowing, 
By  the  weather-district  points, 
And  are  the  four  harts  showing 
Way  for  Odin  on  his  hunts. 


THE    SIX    CONSTELLATIONS    HAVING 
WOMEN  FOR  SEASONS. 

In  each  of  these  constellations  (showing  they 
are  from  the  same  source)  we  find  the  central 
figure  has  four  women,  who  are  under  his  con- 


Cor  robot  ativc  Comment.  105 


trol,  and  assist  him,  or  sing  his  praises.  In  the 
constellation  of  Jacob,  we  find:  Leah,  Rachel, 
Zilpah  and  Bilhah;  in  the  constellation  of  Odin, 
Hela,  Freya,  Iduna  and  Frigga;  in  the  constel 
lation  of  Zeus,  Aphrodite,  Hera,  Athene  and 
Hestia;  in  the  constellation  of  Jupiter,  Juno, 
Yesta,  Maja  and  Latona;  in  the  constellation  of 
the  Lord,  or  that  of  Job,  Job's  wife,  Jemima, 
Kezia  and  Kerenhaupt;  in  the  constellation  of 
Christ,  the  mother  of  Jesus,  or  James,  Mary  Mag- 
dalena,  Joses,  the  mother  of  Zebedee,  and  Salome. 
Each  of  these  represents  a  season  of  the  year, 
and  they  do  not  come  there  by  accident,  but 
showing  the  same  origin  throughout,  for  the 
sign  language  is  much  better  than  the  written, 
as  it  cannot  be  successfully  perverted.  Seeing 
that  we  express  the  godhead  in  four  persons,  we 
find  that  the  physical  cross  is  a  representation 
of  the  other  great  nature  crosses,  and  consequently 
the  reason  why  the  Savior  is  nailed  upon  a  cross. 
Though  the  man,  as  represented  on  the  crucifix, 
was  not  found  nailed  upon  the  cross  as  a  Christian 
symbol  until  after  680,  A.  D.,  when  at  the  Sixth 
Ecumenical  Council,  held  in  Constantinople 
that  year,  it  was  decided  that  the  lamb  hereto- 


io6  The  False  and  the    Ttue. 

fore  worshipped  by  the  Christians,  Gymnosoph- 
ists,  Neo  -  Platonists,  Kssenes  and  Eclectics 
should  be  represented  by  a  man  upon  the  cross 
— supposed  to  be  Prometheus  bound  upon  the 
Scythian  crag  and  suffering  for  the  sins  of  man 
kind,  with  the  features  of  Apolloneus  of  Tyana, 
the  Capadocian  Sage.  A  man  nailed  on  a  cross 
represents  how  the  soul  descends  into  matter 
and  forms  physical  life.  And  while  upon  that 
cross  not  only  suffers  for  his  own  sins  and  his 
own  infirmities,  but  also  from  the  sins  of  his 
fellow  man. 

This  cross  not  only  extends  to  the  soul  of 
man,  but  to  all  physical  life — from  man  down  to 
the  very  lowest  germ  life.  So  long  as  combined 
with  matter  that  soul  or  spirit  is  upon  the  physi 
cal  cross;  when  he  can  no  longer  control  the 
matter  within,  he  becomes  diseased  and  dies, 
and  is,  therefore,  taken  down  from  the  cross, 
and  the  soul  lives  on. 

Thus  by  the  body  of  man  upon  the  cross,  the 
church  fathers  desire  to  express  the  action  of 
soul  upon  matter-before  expressed  by  the  Phallic 
cross.  We  can,  therefore,  see  the  connection 
between  the  two  crosses — the  sunlight  on  the 


Corroborative   Comment  107 

stellar  cross,  and  the  soul  on  the  physical  cross. 
These  constitute  the  true  crosses  in  nature. 
Other  crosses  substituted  by  other  saviors  are 
false. 

If  we  take  into  consideration  that  Christ  was 
crucified  between  two  robbers,  one  repentant  and 
the  other  scorning,  have  care  of  your  doctrines 
lest  we  prove  the  Judean  Christ  is  that  scorning 
robber,  and  the  other  two  nature's  Christs,  suf 
fering  upon  nature's  crosses  for  the  benefit  of 
mankind. 

The  third  cross,  nevertheless,  exists,  but  only 
in  the  mind  of  man,  where  the  psychologistic 
priestcraft  have  nailed  mankind,  and  are  still 
torturing  them  there  to-day.  But  it  is  a  spurious 
and  a  false  cross,  and  it  depends  on  the  law  of 
the  land  and  on  society,  but  most  of  all,  on  the 
mere  will  of  the  person,  whether  he  will  permit 
himself  to  stay  thereon  or  not. 

These  crucifiers  claim  to  hold  the  key  to 
Heaven's  bliss.  But  that,  too,  is  spurious,  for 
the  soul  alone,  in  each  individual,  holds  that 

key. 

We  again  ask:  Is  it  by  accident  that  all  these 
symbols  came  there,  and  which  resemble  each 
other  so  closely  ? 


io8  The  False  and  the  2'rue. 

TWO. 

A  highly  sacred  number 
Is  found  in  the  figure  two, 
As  seen  throughout  creation, 
Of  whatever  comes  in  view: 
Two  ears,  two  arms  and  two  legs, 
And  two  eyes,  two  hands  and  feet; 
Two  parties  meet  in  loving, 
And  two  souls  each  other  greet. 

Four  corners  has  a  square  plane, 
And  twice  three  planes  has  a  cube. 
These  planes  enclose  an  inside, 
And  this  constitutes  the  cube. 
Where  parties  enter  union 
In  love's  bond,  with  heart  and  mind, 
They  must  be  male  and  female 
To  with  pleasure  be  combined. 

Earth  matter  is  the  female, 
And  the  soul-life  is  the  male, 
When  entering  in  love's  union, 
He  to  physic-life  is  nailed. 
When  the  soul  makes  appearance 
On  this  vast  terrestial  globe, 
He  is  veneered  in  earth-life 
In  a  grand  but  mortal  robe. 


Corroborative  Comment.  109 

EVOLUTION. 

Many  species  may  evolve 
From  a  single  parent  stem, 
But  must  have  some  fertile  germs, 
Life  and  death,  to  unfold  them. 
For  no  living  man  has  seen 
A  plant,  animal  or  tree. 
Change  its  species  during  life, 
Xo  matter  how  old  the}'  be. 

The  germs,  the  worms,  the  larvae 
And  the  winged  butterfly, 
Evolve  not  beyond  their  state, 
But  pass  through  their  forms  and  die; 
The  spawn,  tadpole  and  pollywog. 
By  growth,  become  a  frog; 
But  there  it  dies,  for  froggy 
Evolves  not  into  a  hog. 

But  the  germ  that  is  contained 
In  a  perfect  ripened  seed 
May  grow  beyond  its  parent  stem, 
And  its  origin  mislead. 
Hence,  this  plainly  shows 
That  the  soul  alone  evolves, 
And  through  it  the  body  goes 
Into  form,  and  then  dissolves. 


no  The  False  and  the    True. 

THE  CENTER  NUMBERS  IN  THE  MYSTERIES. 
ONE. 

One,  three,  five,  seven,  thirteen, 
Are  the  sacred  numbers  grand, 
The  ever  present  centers, 
Around  which  some  others  stand. 
One  body,  mind  and  spirit; 
And  one  Father,  Mother,  God; 
One  birth,  one  life  and  one  death, 
With  his  hard,  chastising  rod. 

One  charming,  blissful  heaven; 
One  dark  and  dreadful  gloom; 
Within  each  bosom's  leaven 
Rises  hope  and  fear  of  doom; 
There  is  one  God  Almighty, 
Who  to  other  Gods  is  law, 
Who  has  no  form  nor  limit, 
Although  seen,  yet  none  Him  saw. 

FIVE. 

Five:    Center  and  a  square  plane; 
The  body  is  a  five-limbed  tree; 
Five  fingers  on  each  true  hand; 
On  our  feet  twice  five  toes  be; 
And  five  external  senses, 


Corroborative  Comment.  1 1 1 


By  which  each  one  we  greet; 

By  which  we  judge  our  own  selves, 

And  those  we  by  chance  may  meet. 

SEVEN. 

Creation's  days  are  seven, 

On  the  last  one  God  dost  rest 

From  evening  until  morning. 

But  creation  soon  will  test. 

We  find  each  month  has  four  weeks, 

And  each  week  has  seven  days. 

We  use  six  days  for  labor, 

And  have  one  for  rest  and  praise. 

Six  equal  sides  each  cube  has, 
But  an  ego  is  within; 
Each  one  contains  his  own  soul, 
Who  is  cause  of  right  and  sin; 
(Only  the  outside  matter 
Is  beheld  by  mortal  eye, 
The  unseen  is  the  potent, 
Causing  acts,  or  acts  defy. 

The  air  we  breathe  we  see  not. 
But  its  potency  well  know; 
The  magnet  and  electric  force 
By  their  actions  themselves  show; 


ii2  The  False  and  the   True. 


All  cliemic  forces  and  all  souls 
Are  unseen,  and  yet  they  act — 
They  cause  the  forms  which  we  see, 
Thereby  demonstrate  their  fact.) 

THE  EDENIC  PERIOD. 

Unseen  the  gods  exist  now, 

And  of  old  by  men  were  seen, 

And  in  man's  petty  troubles 

They  with  pleasure  stepped  between. 

The  demi-gods  and  heroes 

Were  men  who  had  no  fear, 

As  before  their  opponents 

They  could  come,  or  disappear. 

They  oft  engaged  in  quarrels — 
Mostly  o'er  the  fairer  sex — 
And  fought  in  bitter  conflict, 
When  disturbers  did  them  vex. 
Death  the  gods  never  suffered, 
But  giants  and  heroes  died; 
The  demi-gods  their  bodies 
Could  dissolve — thus  death  defied. 

The  gods  have  man  created, 

And  formed  from  the  earth's  soft  clay; 

One  always  dwells  within  him — 


Corroborative  Comment  1 1 3 

As  the  soul  of  man  to-day. 
They  came  in  spring  and  summer, 
Past  the  sixth's  creation's  noon, 
Till  power  to  shape  their  own  forms 
They  no  longer  held  as  boon — 

For,  at  creation's  springtime, 
Spontaneously  comes  life, 
Which  during  fall  and  winter 
Comes  through  husband  and  the  wife. 
Till  then,  in  Eden's  garden, 
Man  was  happy  and  content; 
But  the  gods  formed  him  a  woman, 
Who  was  much  on  mischief  bent. 

The}7  gave  to  Epimetheus 
Pandora — his  life  to  charm — 
And  a  vase  which,  when  opened, 
Brought  to  man  disease  and  harm; 
When  Adam  of  his  pleasure 
Got  weary  and  fell  asleep, 
From  a  rib  the  gods  formed  Eve, 
Who  has  made  him  love  and  weep. 

When  Ask,  in  bliss,  got  Embla — 
Charmed  by  Odin,  Vili,  Ye — 


ii4  The  False  and  the  True. 


The  Midgard's  light  and  blessings 

Were  exchanged  for  misery. 

In  Egypt,  India,  China, 

And  on  old  Euphrates'  shores, 

Are  many  similar  legends, 

In  their  ancient,  mystic  lores. 


'& 


As  a  conservatory 

She  is  a  necessity 

For  the  gods  who  enter  earth-life, 

And  for  their  posterity. 


Corroborative   Comment. 


It  is  by  her  permission 
That  man  lives  here  to-day. 
By  her  the  gates  Elysian 
Opened  are  for  him,  they  say. 

THE  DEVIL  AND  THE  SERPENT. 

An  Eden  has  each  cult-lore 
Where  once  happiness  was  found. 


n6  The  False  and  the  2'nie. 

In  each  man  was  made  wicked, 
And  to  evil  firmly  bound 
By  Devil  and  a  serpent, 
Who  were  crafty,  tricky,  mean, 
Causing  man  to  fall  in  sin 
Wheresoever  they  were  seen. 

And  each  a  god  empowers 

To  crush  the  vile  serpent's  head; 

Yet  man's  heel  is  ever  stung, 

For,  though  crushed,  he  is  not  dead. 

When  gods  o'er  sinning  angered, 

They  a  watery  deluge  sent 

To  destroy  sin  and  sinners; 

But  to  some  each  mercy  lent. 

Deucalion  and  Noah, 
From  a  devastating  flood — 
Each  by  his  god — were  rescued, 
Because  they  were  true  and  good. 
From  them  sprang  many  races, 
But  remained  not  very  pure, 
Who  took  the  sinners'  places, 
And  their  siifferings  now  endure. 


Corroborative  Comment.  1 1 7 


WHY  EACH  CULT  HAS  A  SERPENT. 

The  Serpent  is  an  emblem 
Dreadful,  and  likewise  grand; 
Of  death  it  teaches  lessons, 
And  we  loathe  its  coiling  band. 
It  likewise  is  an  emblem 
Of  the  soul's  life  immortal ; 
And  its  awful  jaws  and  poison 
Reminds  of  Death's  dark  portal. 

It  can  wind  around  itself, 
Like  a  strong,  united  chain; 
And  each  }rear  it  sheds  its  coat. 
While  it  does  a  new  one  gain. 
When  n earing  Winter  frost-line, 
It  goes  into  sleep,  or  dies; 
When  it  gets  warm,  in  springtime, 
From  that  state  it  does  arise. 

The  Asar's  Midgard  serpent — 
The  air  and  the  equator — 
May  be  enemy  to  life, 
Yet  is  its  generator. 
Each  is  possessed  by  Darkness 
During  fall  and  winter  times, 
For  death's  crop  Hela  harvests 
During  night  in  Arctic  climes. 


n8  The  False  and  the   True. 


THE   DELUGE. 

THE  REASONS  FOR  THIS  UNIVERSAL  TRADITION. 

All  cult  lores  hold  a  legend 
That  a  flood  submerged  the  earth, 
Where  many  met  their  sad  ends, 
With  their  culture,  wealth  and  worth. 
Each  cult  was  warned  by  prophets 
To  themselves  in  vessels  save, 
For  a  flood  would  come  upon  them, 
Yet  in  boats  they  it  might  brave. 

Or  climb  some  mentioned  mountain 
Where  the  gods  would,  by  their  grace, 
Extend  their  kind  protection — 
Only  found  at  such  a  place. 
They  heeded  not  their  warnings, 
But  them  by  derision  met; 
Yet  those  who  did  obey  them 
Had  no  causes  for  regret. 

THE  CAUSES  OF  THE  FLOOD. 

Earth's  pent-up  chemic  forces 

A  vent  with  explosion  found, 

With  such  immense  upheaval 

That  the  earth  one-fourth  turned  'round; 


Corroborative  Comment.  1 1  ^ 

And  the  cold,  polar  ice  fields 
Journeyed  to  equator's  line, 
While  equatoric  regions 
Then  the  south  and  north  poles  find. 

For  the  internal  fires 

Burst  forth,  and  the  sea  broke  in — 

Midst  rain-clouds  and  midst  vapors, 

Midst  storm-winds  and  midst  din — 

Flowing  over  land  and  hilltops, 

Where  the  whole  sea  swept  about; 

Gas  and  metallic  vapors 

Into  space  from  thence  gushed  out. 

THE  BIRTH  OF  THE  MOON. 

In  toils  and  convulsions 
Earth  her  first-born  child  begot, 
And  midwife,  Deep-Blue-Azure, 
The  Moon  to  her  bosom  caught. 
In  her  birth  throes  many  people, 
With  Flora  and  Fauna,  found 
Their  death  and  their  destruction, 
For  the\-  by  that  flood  were  drowned. 

Still,  some  survived  to  tell  it, 
And  hand  down  to  us  the  acts; 
But  their  reasons  for  its  coming 
We  can  not  accept  as  facts. 


I2O  The  False  and  the   True. 

They  say:    "The  gods  got  angry, 
For  man  worshipped  not  them  right, 
Hence  caused  that  fearful  deluge 
On  their  own  work  to  put  blight." 

A  BETTER  REASON  FOR  THE  COMING  OF  THE 
FLOOD. 

For  the  causes  of  that  flood 
We  have  much  greater  reason: 
In  spring,  likewise  in  summer — 
Of  all  years  of  creation — 
The  forces  are  held  loosely, 
So  that  all  the  earth  expands, 
But  in  fall  and  in  winter, 
Cold  contracts  the  surface  bands. 

Contraction  brings  in  contact 
All  the  chemic  forces  more; 
Which  act  and  create  gases; 
Cold  still  closer  locks  the  door, 
Until  the  crust  bursts  'sunder; 
Air  and  water  then  flow  in, 
Causing  more  chemic  action: 
Heat,  fire,  convulsion,  din. 

And  these  raised  up  the  surface 
In  high  mountain  chains  and  vales; 


Corroborative  Comment.  121 

And  some  sank  in  the  ocean, 
Where  the  island  chains  tell  tales. 
The  earthquakes  and  volcanoes 
Show  chemic  action  with  their  vents; 
As  creation's  summer  near  us 
They  become  of  past  events. 

Three  general  upheavals 
Since  organic  life  found  birth, 
The  mountains  bear  us  witness, 
Have  occurred  upon  this  earth. 
The  last  one  was  the  deluge, 
By  traditions  of  mankind, 
Which  brought  that  vast  destruction 
We  are  taught  to  keep  in  mind. 

PROOFS   OF   THE   TURNING   OF   THE    POLES. 

\Ve  find  in  polar  regions 
Signs  of  equatoric  life, 
Where  in  frozen  grasp  still  rests 
The  proof  of  a  fearful  strife. 
There  mastodon  and  parrots, 
Giraffes,  tigers  and  gazelles 
Are  found  in  great  life-likeness. 
Each  his  wonder  story  tells. 


122 


The  False  and  the  True. 


Corroborative  Comment.  123 


WHAT   THEY    HAVE    FOUND    AT    THE    POLES. 
Last  summer,  on  a  mountain 
On  the  shores  of  Behring  Sea, 
A  vessel  with  its  riggings, 
By  report,  was  found  to  be 
In  a  petrified  condition; 
Altitude  four  thousand  feet ; 
Discovered  by  a  miner, 
Who  sought  gold,  and  game  for  meat. 

Lest  none  believed  his  statements, 
He  explored,  and  found  the  hold, 
And  in  it  some  utensils 
Which  for  him  his  story  told. 
And  when  for  his  companions 
He  his  findings  did  relate, 
It  caused  merriment  and  laughter 
To  his  truthlessness  berate. 

On  showing  them  the  relics 

They  in  chorus  changed  their  tune: 

"From  whence  did  you  obtain  them?" 

i  'Show  to  us  your  precious  boon." 

Each  plead;  and  all  went  to  it; 

And  there  each  some  relic  found. 

If  so,  that  ancient  vessel 

Brought  some  lives  to  firmer  ground. 


124 


The  False  and  the   True. 


They  also  found  a  city — 
'Round  it  many  tropic  trees — 
Resting  in  deathlike  silence, 
Whilst  fanned  by  the  arctic  breeze. 


The  streets  were  smooth  and  glassy, 
And  paved  by  the  ice  of  time; 
No  watchers  on  its  towers, 
And  no  church  bells  rang  in  chime. 

They  called,  and  they  were  answered 
"Disturb  not  our  peaceful  sleep." 
The  answer  was  the  echo, 
Hence  the  lonely  strangers  weep. 


Corroborative  Comment.  125 


Though  none  came  forth  to  greet  them, 
Yet  they  forcibly  proclaim : 
"We  lived  before  the  deluge; 
Our,  once  tropic,  homes  remain." 

These  findings  prove  the  legends. 
Thus  the  past  we  clearly  know. 
The  earth  marks  three  upheavals, 
And  one  change  of  axis  show. 
This  overwhelming  deluge 
Came  in  last  creation's  fall, 
Shown  by  the  tropic  fauna 
Which  the  frigid  zones  empall. 

The  forest,  ship  and  city, 

Which  but  lately  have  been  found, 

May  speak  in  plainer  language 

Of  the  ancient  cults,  profound, 

Than  any  other  records 

Which  have  yet  been  brought  to  view, 

Of  antedeluvic  people's 

Habits,  and  culture,  too. 

WHAT   THEY    MAY   FIND   AT    THE   POLES. 

Here,  too,  we  may  find  entrance 
To  old  Eden's  garden  gate, 


126  The  False  and  the  True. 

Once  by  a  fire-sword  guarded, 
But  now  found  in  frozen  state. 
Here,  likewise,  flow  four  rivers 
Out  from,  and  into,  their  source. 
They  are  the  cold  wind  currents 
And  the  gulf-streams  in  their  course. 

And  the  Tree  of  Good  and  Evil 
Here  firmly  strikes  its  root, 
As  rain  and  summer  showers 
Have  their  fountain  at  its  foot. 
The  bards  and  minstrel  singers 
Find  here  ample  facts  to  show 
As  proof  for  their  sagas 
Once  from  inspiration's  flow. 

THE   SACRED   DAYS. 

All  cults  have  quarter  feast  days 

Which  are  fixed,  for  moon  and  sun 

Do  mark  their  time  and  season, 

As  they  in  their  orbits  run. 

The  Christmas,  claimed  by  Norsemen; 

The  Easter,  claimed  by  Jews, 

And  Sabbath — our  Sunday — 

Now  three  cults,  as  sacred,  use. 


Corroborative  Comment.  127 


THE    PASSOVER    AND    LORD'S   SUPPER. 

Passover  and  Lord's  Supper 
Sprang  from  the  Bacchian  feast 
Where  they  drank  the  blood  of  Gea, 
Which  the  vine  from  her  released; 
And  feasted  on  Prometh'ns, 
From  his  Scythian  rocky  bed, 
Transformed  into  fruit  and  grain, 
And  thence  into  flesh  and  bread. 

To  gain  from  God  His  mercy 
Each  cult  offers  on  these  days 
Meat,  blood,  wine  and  shew-bread, 
Chants,  prayers  and  priestly  lays. 
But  o'er  the  sacred  Sabbath 
The  three  cults  with  wrath  contend; 
Each  claims  it  keeps  the  right  one, 
And  the  other  two  must  mend. 

WHICH    DAY    IS    THE    SABBATH    DAY? 

Let  us  show  by  a  story 

How  the  difference  came  about: 

A  pious  Jew  had  three  sons, 

Where  through  want  two  must  move  out. 

"My  house  is  small  and  simple, 

And  my  fields  yield  not  enough; 


128  The  False  and  the   True. 

You  have  now  grown  to  manhood; 
Here  your  life  sea  will  be  rough. 

"Two  go  and  seek  your  fortunes, 
And  with  me  one  stay  at  home; 
My  blessings  shall  go  with  you, 
As  you  through  the  world  shall  roam, 
But,  promise  me,  my  children, 
To  keep  pure  the  Sabbath  day, 
Or  curses,  and  not  blessings, 
Shall  go  with  you  on  yourVay. 

"  'Tis  hard  for  me,  this  parting, 
But  I  am  now  old  and  blind, 
And  shall  go  to  my  fathers, 
But  leave  naught  undone  behind. 
First,  swear  by  God,  the  holy, 
To  keep  pure  his  Sabbath  day; 
Then  one  of  you  go  westward; 
One  go  eastward,  on  the  way. 

uWhen  Fortune  smiles  upon  you, 
And  you,  after  many  a  year, 
Again  shall  seek  your  old  home, 
You  will  find  your  brother  here. 
And  if  I  yet  should  linger, 
Then  my  joy  would  overflow, 


Corroborative  Comment.  129 

When  informed  of  your  fortune, 
And  the  fields  you  buy  and  sow." 

Thus  spake  the  aged  father. 
And  their  journeys  two  pursued. 
Each  kept  the  sacred  Sabbath, 
And  no  day  did  them  elude. 
Years  passed;   and  yet  they  traveled, 
Finding  pleasure,  wealth  and  name, 
And  knowledge,  wisdom,  virtue, 
Whilst  before  them  went  their  fame. 

One  da}7  all  met  together 
At  their  dear,  old  childhood  home. 
Each  'round  the  world  had  traveled, 
And  had  by  the  same  road  come. 
"Be  welcome,  dearest  brothers! 
To-morrow,  a  feast  I'll  give, 
And  invite  our  kin  and  neighbors 
To  rejoice  that  we  all  live. 

''The  Lord  with  wealth  has  blessed  me, 
He  has  wife  and  children  brought; 
My  fields  are  not  now  scanty, 
Because  others  I  have  bought. 
We've  milk  and  wine,  abundant 
Of  cattle,  and  sheep  in  flocks. 


130  The  False  and  the   True. 

They  will  but  slightly  suffer, 
If  we  feast,  so  no  one  mocks." 

"Nay,  not  to-morrow,  brother," 
Said  he  who  was  westward  sent; 
"I  promised  to  keep  Sabbath — 
And  Father's  blessing  with  it  went, 
I've  kept  it,  and  have  prospered, 
Though  here  Father  is  no  more; 
Will  keep  his  mem'ry  holy, 
And  the  oath  I  to  him  swore. 

"To-morrow  is  the  Sabbath, 
And  pray,  keep  it  holy,  too, 
And  draw  not  down  the  curses 
He  from  heaven  sends  on  you. 
If  you  neglect  its  keeping 
And  you  follow  other  gods, 
Evil  shall  come  upon  you 
With  the  stripes  from  many  rods." 

"To-morrow  is  but  Friday," 
Said  he  who  at  home  remained: 
"If  you  have  kept  the  Sabbath, 
You  have  then  a  whole  day  gained." 
"Oh,  no,  my  dearest  brothers!" 


Corroborative  Comment.  131 

Said  the  one  who  had  gone  east, 
"To-morrow  is  but  Thursday. 
You  can  well  bestow  your  feast." 

UI,  too,  have  kept  the  Sabbath; 
Wherefore  God  has  blessed  me  well. 
I've  walked  in  brother's  footsteps, 
And  can  his  experience  tell. 
Both  of  you  have  been  erring, 
And  both  have  your  oath  forgot; 
But  I  have  kept  mine  sacred, 
And  Jehovah's  blessing  sought." 

uNay.     Say  not  so,  my  brother! 
If  this  Wednesday  is  to  you, 
You  lost  one  day  in  travel, 
And  will  clearly  prove  it,  too." 
Then  morrow's  feast  got  ready, 
Calling  kin  and  neighbors  in; 
But  one  did  not  attend  it — 
As  to  him  it  was  a  sin. 

The  other  two  got  angry, 
And  they  fought  him  hand  to  hand, 
They  called  him:  wicked  Moslem, 
And  then  drove  him  from  the  land. 
"To-morrow,  dearest  brother," 


132  The  False  and  the   True. 


Said  the  one  who  had  gone  east, 
"In  return  for  your  kindness, 
I  will  give  to  you  a  feast." 

"Not  so.     It  is  the  Sabbath, 

And  it  holy  is  to  me. 

You,  like  our  erring  brother, 

The  right  day  have  lost  I  see." 

1  i  'Tis  falsehood,  and  you  well  know 

That  but  Friday  this  day  is; 

With  my  escorts  I  can  show, 

That  I  not  a  day  did  miss." 

Thus  the  whole  family  quarreled, 
Because  each  one  kept  his  day 
Of  his  account  and  record, 
And  to  no  one  would  give  way. 
Now,  some  believe  Mohammed; 
And  yet  some  that  Israel; 
Whilst  some  say  Christians  only 
Can  exactly  the  day  tell. 

The  Moslem  says,  u  'Tis  Friday;" 
Jews,  "  'Tis  Saturday,  we  know;" 
The  Christians  say,  "  'Tis  Sunday, 
And  we  have  the  proofs  to  show." 
Yet  no  one  knows  exactly 


Corroborative  Comment.  133 


From  which  day  to  count  the  time; 
But  in  mem'ry  of  creation 
One  in  seven  keep  in  line. 

BAPTISMAL    RITES. 

All  cults  say  man  is  sin-born, 

And  from  God's  great  mercy  lost; 

All  have  grace  restorations, 

For  which  each  must  pay  the  cost. 

The  Jews  have  circumcision — 

An  Egyptian  rite  of  old — 

All  others  have  baptism 

To  bring  man  into  God's  fold. 

Brahmins  immerse  and  sprinkle; 
Christians  sprinkle  and  immerse. 
Each  contends  o'er  the  right  way; 
Each  salvation  thus  confers: 
Yet  baptism  is  an  emblem 
From  traditions  of  mankind 
To  teach  how  soul  and  matter 
Are  in  phy sic-life  combined. 

ARKS,  ALTARS,  PRIESTS,  PROPHETS  AND  WIZARDS, 

All  cults  have  sacred  altars 
On  which  they  offer  sacrifice, 


134  The  False  and  the   True. 

With  priestly  cults  attending, 
Who  their  meaning  mystifies. 
In  a  box  they  keep  some  relics 
Having  occult  virtues'  mark, 
And  are  by  high-priests  guarded, 
Like  the  covenant  and  ark. 

The  contents  have  great  virtue. 
Those  who  understand  their  power 
Are  known  as  holy  prophets 
And  seers,  at  this  hour. 
If  from  another  cult-lore, 
He  is  called  a  wizard  low; 
Those  who  accept  his  teaching 
Give  true  piety  a  blow. 

Their  wizards,  priests  and  prophets 
Claim  two  kinds  of  magic  arts, 
By  which  they  rule  the  people 
Peacefully — with  tragic  parts. 
But  they  are  now  filled  with  fear 
Lest  we  their  crafts  devour, 
Since  we  know  that  magic  comes 
From  the  mind's  suggestive  power. 


Corroborative  Comment.  135 

FROM    WHENCE    AND    WHERETO. 

All  people  ask,  "From  whence  came  we? 
For  what?  and  whereto  we  go?" 
And  all  cults  their  prophets  have, 
Who  the  future  claim  to  know; 
As  to  them  the  gods  reveal — 
By  touching  their  psychic  eye — 
The  hidden  truths  man  hungers  for 
On  earth,  and  those  on  high. 

Of  revelations  only  theirs 
Are  good,  and  come  from  gods; 
All  others  are  from  Darkness, 
Full  of  lies,  deceit  and  frauds. 
Such  dogmas  are  not  mentioned 
Till  the  cult  is  gray  and  old, 
When  knowledge  is  increasing, 
And  they  want  to  prestige  hold. 

Yet  many  wholesome  lessons 
Are  imbued  by  each  and  all. 
When  young,  all  are  benignant; 
And  when  old,  by  greed  they  fall. 
Yet  truth  remains  eternal, 
And  lives,  although  priesthoods  die, 


136  The  False  and  the  2'rue. 

Remaining  fresh  and  vernal, 
And  destruction  does  defy. 

GOLDEN   IMAGE. 

When  they  heed  right  no  longer, 
But  to  a  golden  image  bow, 
They  make  the  paths  of  future 
As  thorny  as  they  know  how. 
When  Job  got  rich  and  mighty, 
Daily  sacrifices  burned 
To  appease  the  good  Creator 
His  children,  in  revels,  spurned. 

When  Abrah'm  became  wealthy, 
Offered  Isaac,  to  God  appease; 
And  in  the  desert,  Israel 
To  a  golden  calf  bowed  knees; 
The  great  king,  Neb'chadnezzar, 
A  vast,  golden  image  made; 
The  people,  and  the  rulers, 
Then  he  worship  it  them  bade. 

When  the  Christian  Church  got  mighty, 
Salvation  for  money  sold; 
She  now  with  her  pretensions, 
Bows  before  a  calf  of  gold. 


Corroborative  Comment.  137 


When  gold  becomes  the  idol, 
Then  it  indicates  decay; 
With  bigotry,  it  ruin  brings 
At  some  near  future  day. 

THE   ABODE   OF   THE   SOUL. 

Each  cult-lore  has  a  region 
Where  souls  go  beyond  the  tomb; 
Where  virtue  leads  to  glory, 
And  evil  to  pain  and  gloom. 
Where  three  fates  guard  the  pathway — 
The  future,  the  present,  past — 
Who  ask  of  each  his  record, 
For  his  life  deeds  hold  him  fast. 

THE   GOLDEN    RULES. 

All  show  glorious  examples 
Of  soul-virtues'  highest  code, 
Leading  man's  thought  tow'rd  heaven, 
On  life's  upward,  thorny  road. 
uDo  thou  unto  others  what 
Thou  wouldst  they  should  do  to  thee." 
"With  kindness  greet  thy  neighbors, 
And  thou  happiness  shalt  see." 

uCompelst  thou  not  another 


138  The  False  and  the    True. 

To,  for  thee,  thy  burdens  draw, 
Jf  his  cart  thou  art  not  willing 
To  draw  for  him,  is  the  law." 
If  one  in  anger  smites  thee, 
Turn  to  him  thy  other  side. 
See  thyself  as  others  see  thee. 
From  the  needy  never  hide. 

SAVIORS. 

Each  cult-lore  has  a  Savior, 
Who  pain  suffers  for  man's  guilt. 
Joseph  was  sold  to  Egypt, 
Where  his  power  he  rebuilt. 
On  the  Caucasus  mountain 
Jove's  chains  Prometheus  held; 
For  the  love  of  mankind  he 
On  the  rocky  crag  was  felled. 


Corroborative  Comment.  139 

THE  LAMB  OX  THE  CROSS. 

This  cut  of  the  lamb  nailed  to  the  cross  rep 
resents  the  Christian  symbol  prior  to  680,  A.  D., 
though  this  fact  is  not  generally  known.  At  the 
Sixth  ^Ecumenical  Council  held  at  Constantino 
ple  in  that  year,  it  was  ordained  that,  in  place  of 
the  lamb,  the  figure  of  a  man  should  be  por 
trayed  on  the  cross.  This  has  been  known  and 
recognized  since  that  time  as  the  Christian  sym 
bol.  After  the  decree  of  that  council  in  680,  A. 
D.,  the  representation  and  worship  of  the  lamb 
on  the  cross  was  prohibited,  and  that  of  the  man 
was  substituted  in  its  place.  In  the  Roma  Sot- 
teranea  of  Antonio  Bosio  Dell,  concerning  the 
image  of  Christ  under  the  figure  of  a  lamb,  the 
decree  of  the  council  prohibiting  the  representa 
tion  and  worship  of  the  lamb  as  the  Christian 
symbol,  as  translated  from  the  Latin,  is  as  fol 
lows: 

"In  certain  representations  of  the  images  of 
the  saints,  a  lamb  is  portrayed,  etc.  We,  there 
fore,  accepting  the  old  forms  and  shadows  as 
signs  of  the  truth  and  as  traditional  symbols  of 
the  Church,  prefer  Grace  and  Truth,  which  we 
accept  as  the  fulfillment  of  the  law.  So,  that 


140  The  False  and  the  True. 

which,  is  perfect,  let  us  place  in  pictures,  even 
before  the  eyes  of  all.  We  have  decreed  that 
that  Lamb,  which  taketh  away  the  sins  of  the 
world,  Christ  our  God,  ought  to  be  portrayed 
henceforth  in  human  form  in  place  of  the  Lamb." 


The  thirteenth  generation 

He  from  bondage  himself  frees; 

For  a  god  each  month  is  born, 

But  a  stronger  each  year  sees. 

For  the  fallen,  Christ  was  slain, 

But  he  rose  from  death  and  grave; 

Each  year  a  year-god  dies, 

Yet  new  life  in  three  days  crave. 

And  the  Son  of  God— the  Soul, 

In  the  body's  prison-cell, 

Like  the  gods,  from  chains  get  free 

When,  through  death,  he  says  farewell 

But  his  deeds  ever  follow 

On  his  course,  where'er  he  goes; 

And  the  crops  he  must  harvest 

From  the  self-same  seed  he  sows. 


Corroborative  Comment.  141 

But  SAVIORS,  by  their  virtues, 
Have  righteousness  attained; 
Hence  they  can  help  the  sinner, 
Whom  iniquity  has  stained. 
THEY  FREELY  GIVE  SALVATION, 
Through  faith  and  obedience; 

BUT  EACH  MUST  BEAR  THE  BURDENS 
OF  HIS  OWN  DELIVERANCE. 

They  teach  that  God  is  jealous 
And  wants  homage  to  Him  paid; 
Or,  in  His  supreme  justice, 
He  the  needy  will  not  aid. 
Yet,  love  for  one  another — 
More  than  love  for  any  god — 
Is  the  way  to  blissful  Heatfn, 
And  to  angels'  highest  land. 

CONFLICTING    FORCES. 

Two  forces  find  in  conflict; 
One  is  right,  the  other  wrong: 
Darkness  and  Light  are  waging 
Their  constant  wars  along, 
And  neither  is  victorious; 
Where  Light  comes,  Night  flies  away. 
Though  Light  is  grand  and  glorious, 
Xight  always  follows  day. 


142  The  Fahe  and  the  T 


Thus  giving  rise  to  rainfall, 

Which,  all  life  with  water  feeds, 

From  early  spring  till  winter, 

To  bring  forth  the  crops  and  seeds. 

Sunlight  expands  the  waters, 

And  the  vapors  rise  on  high; 

While  the  cool,  dark  night  condenses, 

So  the  dew  and  rains  draw  nigh. 

RIGHTEOUS  JOB'S  CONSTELLATION. 

Seven  sons  and  three  daughters, 
With  himself  and  wife,  had  Job 
When  Satan  him  afflicted, 
For  his  glory  to  disrobe. 
Satan,  by  three  friends,  argued 
That  Job's  life  was  full  of  sin, 
Wherefore  God  caused  him  downfall 
For  his  disobeying  him. 

Like  in  all  mystic  circles, 
God  by  seven  elites  sends 
Light,  and  by  five  sends  Darkness — 
Thus,  Job,  Satan  and  three  friends — 
And  a  woman,  for  each  season; 
But  sons  and  daughters  die, 
Thus  with  anguish  drawing  him 
To  destruction  very  nigh. 


Corroborative  Comment.  143 


Instead  of  by  hope  lifting 
Job  from  his  bitter  sorrow, 
They,  under  friendship's  token, 
His  heart-field's  sufferings  harrow. 
Yet,  he  only  plead  for  justice, 
By  his  ever  righteous  talk, 
And  even  God  he  challenged 
To  show  evil  in  his  walk. 

Still,  Satan  won  his  wager, 

As  Job  before  God  was  crushed; 

But  arose  again  more  mighty, 

And  the  tempter's  tongue  was  hushed. 

For  brighter  sons  and  daughters 

Came  again  to  him  and  wife; 

And  greater  herds  for  slaughter; 

More  years  prolonged  his  life. 

ARCH-ANGEL    SATAX. 
Of  Jehovah's  twelve  arch-angels 
Were  found  but  seven  good; 
For  Satan  gathered  forces, 
And  a  conflict  with  him  stood. 
Then  Michael  led  his  seven; 
Among  five  was  Satan  chief ; 
And  they  had  war  in  heaven, 
Where  the  rebels  came  to  grief. 


144  The  False  and  the   True. 

For  Michael  conquered  Satan 
And  in  chains  securely  bound; 
Then  threw  him  into  darkness, 
Where  soon  he  freedom  found. 
Satan,  as  well  as  Loke, 
Was  of  God's  most  trusted  band, 
And,  like  Disciple  Judas, 
Gave  the  good  into  Death's  hand. 

But  each  was  put  in  bondage, 
And  bound  by  his  fated  cord; 
Yet,  Judas,  only,  dying, 
While  the  others  sow  discord. 
[Of  the  cube,  however  held, 
We  can  only  three  sides  view, 
The  others  are  in  darkness; 
In  virtue  there  are  but  two. 

There's  but  a  dark  and  light  side, 
Not  of  equal  length  of  time, 
For  light  stealthily  encroaches 
And  forms  a  twilight  line. 
Darkness  is  five  to  seven 
Bright  periods  of  light; 
Three  thereof  are  Hell  and  grave- 
Death's  gloomy,  dreary  night.] 


Corroborative  Comment.  145 


They  are  the  winter  season, 
Darkness,  death  and  yawning  grave, 
Which  makes  each  life  uncertain, 
Although  lived  by  warriors  brave. 
Winter,  the  Hoar  Frost  Giant, 
Thor's  hammer  in  spring  does  strike, 
And  over  him  gains  vict'ries, 
Yet  his  injuries  are  slight. 

He,  during  winter,  captures 
What  in  summer  he  has  lost; 
From  Odin's  crop  he  harvests, 
At  the  living  worker's  cost. 
During  winter  of  creation 
He  is  more  potent  still, 
With  each  yearly  revolution 
More  subject  to  his  will. 

THE   BATTLE   OF   THE   GODS. 

Hceder,  for  Lok'  slew  Balder; 
Thus  are  Lok'  and  children  bound 
By  mystic  chains,  the  Summer, 
Forged  in  Jotonheim  and  found. 
In  winter  he  does  break  them, 
And  his  evil  forces  frees 


146  The  False  and  the   True. 


To  wage  war  on  Valhalla, 
For  the  Asar  Gods  to  seize. 

Until  the  sun  stops  going 
Further  on  his  downward  road, 
And  during  his  solstices 
Before  the  ascending  node, 
The  Asars  ride  o'er  Bifrost 
To  Vigrid's  field  defiant. 
Loke  and  forces  from  Hel 
They  meet,  and  the  Frost  Giant. 

The  Giallar  Horn  for  battle, 
Heimdall,  the  gods'  sentry,  blows, 
Causing  all  things  to  vibrate, 
As  through  universe  it  goes. 
They  meet  the  gods  in  battle, 
And  fall — the  gods  expire ; 
Frost  Giants  are  then  mighty, 
Destruction  their  desire. 

Each  year  the  gods  do  perish, 

And  in  gloom  are  laid  away; 

In  darkness  and  in  silence 

They  must  meet  their  judgment  day. 

Then  the  Sun  Giant,  Surter, 


148  The  False  and  the  True. 

Comes,  in  haste,  from  Muspelheim, 
With  fire  before  and  after, 
To  the  battlefield,  in  time. 

There  he  three  days  is  victor 
At  the  South  Pole,  and  supreme; 
Whence,  turning  his  light  northward, 
He  is,  after  three  days,  seen. 
Thence  goes  from  South  to  North  Pole; 
And  from  North  to  South  again. 
He  is  the  judge  and  juror 
Of  the  Asar  gods  then  slain. 


THE  KEY  TO  ODIN'S  WHEEL. 

Odin's  Wheel  is  the  key  to  the  Asar's  or 
Odin's  cult-lore,  but  of  a  later  origin  than  Thor's 
Hammer.  It  was  probably  introduced  into  Odin- 
ism  eight  hundred  or  a  thousand  years  before 
Christ  by  the  JES-ites  from  Phcenecia:  called  by 
the  Celts  IBS,  and  by  Odins  and  Druids  Hes, 
meaning  Sun  God.  It  consists  of  a  circle — 
the  rim  of  the  wheel,  meaning  unbroken  con 
tinuity — and  a  right-angled  cross,  forming  the 
four  spokes  of  the  wheel,  mitered  together  in 


Corroborative  Comment.  149 


the  hub  and  held  in  situ  by  a  wedge.  The 
spokes  thus  fastened  signify  spirit  crossing  mat 
ter  in  the  womb,  forming  physical  life.  It  also 
represents  the  solstitial  and  equatorial  lines, 
and  thus  each  spoke  is  represented  by  a  god 
dess;  and  each  represents  her  own  respective 
season  of  the  year  or  life. 

The  hub  represents  the  center,  or  the  Ver- 
gelmer  fountain,  from  which  springs  twelve 
streams.  These  streams  are  the  twelve  Asar 
gods,  the  twelve  signs  of  the  zodiac,  or  the 
twelve  months  of  the  year,  and  even  the  twelve 
disciples  of  Jesus.  The  hub  also  represents 
Odin,  the  year  or  center  around  whom  the  gods 
move.  Over  this  center — Yergelmer  fountain — 
the  tree  of  life,  Yggdrasil,  grows.  This  tree 
has  three  large  roots,  and  each  root  extends  to  a 
fountain.  One  root  extends  to  Mimar's  fountain 
found  in  Jotunheim,  and  is  carefully  tended  by 
the  often  mirthful,  but  sometimes  dangerous. 
Giant  Miniar. 

Jotunheim  means  the  soil  and  subsoil,  as  well 
as  water  veins.  One  root  extends  into  Xiflheim 
to  Xidhogge's  fountain.  Xidhogge  is  a  poisonous 
Adder  which  gnaws  its  roots.  Xiflheim  means 


150  The  False  and  the   True. 

darkness,  the  grave,  deep  into  the  earth;    Nid- 
hogge,  physical  death. 

The  third  root  extends  to  Udar  fountain, 
which  is  situated  in  Muspelheim — the  Sun — 
and  is  guarded  by  three  Nornor — Udar,  the  past; 
Verdandi,  the  present;  Skuld,  the  future.  It  is 
the  way  to  Heaven  for  those  who  pass  through 
physical  life. 

These  Roots  also  extend  to  the  deepest  of 
depths,  and  the  tree,  Yggdrasil,  sends  its 
branches  to  the  highest  of  heights. 

Earth  was  formed  by  Odin  from  the  body  of 
the  Giant  Ymir.  Ymir  is  condensed  or  solidified 
nebulous  matter.  Odin  is  the  son  of  Bor,  the  Sun — 
hence  Sun  Light  or  cycle  god.  He  has  two  broth 
ers,  Vili — Vegetable,  and  Ve — Animal  life.  Bor 
is  the  son  of  Bori — the  Sun  of  Suns.  Bori  was 
the  offspring  of  the  giant  race  and  Audhumla — 
inorganic  life.  Audhumla,  a  cow,  meaning  cos 
mic  force  or  spirit.  She  licked  the  hoar  frost  in 
Niflheim,  and  on  the  third  day  Bori  sprang  into 
existence. 

Niflheim  means  nebulous  matter,  acted  on  by 
Audhumla  means  inorganic  life,  and  is  situated 
in  Genungagap.  Genungagap  means  the  Uni- 


Corroborative   Comment.  151 

verse.  The  giant  races  mean  Darkness,  and 
trie  various  natural  forces  in  opposition  to,  but 
conquered  and  used  by  life  and  light. 

Odin  has  twelve  sub-gods,  the  months  of  the 
year,  the  signs  of  the  zodiac,  etc.  Three  are  of 
the  giant  races,  but  by  their  service  to  the  gods 
have  become  part  of  them.  Two  of  the  gods  are 
intermarried  with  the  giants.  Hence  Tyr  lost 
one  hand  by  the  bite  of  Fenris,  and  Hoder — 
January,  the  Asar  winter  god — slew  Balder, 
June.  Thus  the  Asars  have  five  gods  of  or  re 
lated  to  the  giant  races. 

Nine  Asars  are  the  progen}T  of  Odin  and 
Frigga,  while  but  seven  are  purely  light  gods: 
Thor,  the  first  son  of  Odin — Odin,  the  year  god, 
Sunlight.  Thor,  thunder,  lightning  and  rain. 
Thus  spring  and  summer  are  victorious  over  the 
giant  races  and  slay  them  everywhere.  Heat, 
light  and  darkness  cause  thunder,  lightning 
and  rain.  Loke  was  the  most  wily  of  the  gods — 
the  calumniator — full  of  resources,  deception 
and  tricks.  He  was  jealous  of  the  light  gods, 
especially  Balder,  the  god  of  Summer — June. 

Hoder — January — the  twin  brother  of  Balder — 
June — is  blind.  Hence,  through  the  deception 


152  The  False  and  the  True. 

of  Loke,  Darkness,  slew  Balder  by  the  mistletoe. 
The  mistletoe  is  a  parasite  growing  on  Yggdra- 
sil,  and  sends  its  branches  in  all  directions,  sig 
nifying  crawling  both  ways,  like  a  crab. 

June  extends  beyond  the  solstitial  line,  hence 
blind  Winter  sends  an  arrow  and  slays  Summer. 
From  this  time  Loke  is  an  enemy  to  the  gods  of 
light,  and  is  bound  in  chains  and  tortured  by 
poison  from  a  serpent,  the  equatorial  line,  until 
the  2ist  of  September,  when  he  breaks  his 
chains  and  frees  himself,  and  together  with  the 
Frost-Giants  wages  constant  war  on  the  Asars, 
until  all  the  Light  Gods  are  slain,  and  he,  him 
self,  falls,  and  the  Frost-Giants  remain  victors  of 
the  field.  But  the  Giant  Surtur — returning 
light — comes  with  fiery  light  (returning  light 
looks  fiery  in  the  morning  and  evening)  and  be 
comes  victorious,  for  All-Father,  the  Sun,  cre 
ates  a  new  year  and  the  gods  are  resurrected, 
for  one  year  follows  another. 

Ragnarok — the  Judgment  Day — are  the  three 
winter  Moon  cycles  on  earth,  or  the  gods  of 
Darkness;  and  the  three-twelfth's  of  the  sun's 
cycle,  each  being  known  as  the  winter  season  of 
the  respective  cycle.  The  three  days  of  nearly 


Cor  roboi  alive  Comment.  153 

equal  length  on  the  solstitial  line  on  the  north 
ern  hemisphere  near  the  Arctic  circle  devoid  of 
sunlight  is  the  burial  of  the  gods,  and  is  the 
Grave  and  Hell  of  the  Scriptures. 

Passing  the  solstitial  line  and  beginning  of 
the  year  is  the  rising  from  death  or  birth  of  the 
gods,  and  is  in  the  sign  of  the  goat — Capricornus. 
Thus  the  Year  God,  or  Savior,  is  born  in  a  sta 
ble,  and  the  reason  why  a  goat  is  chosen  by  the 
Israelites  to  bear  away  their  sins. 

In  one  cut  of  Odin's  Wheel  we  have  placed  a 
cow — Audhumla — licking  the  rim  of  the  wheel, 
signifying  cosmic  force  is  an  ever-active  re 
former. 

Sirimner,  the  Boar,  is  slain  and  eaten  by  the 
Asars  every  day,  but  rises  during  the  night  to 
go  through  the  same  process  again  and  again; 
signifying  how  vegetation,  which  draws  its  nour 
ishment  from  earth,  is  consumed  by  animals, 
and  animals  by  man,  and  the  excreta  returning 
to  earth  to  enter  into  other  vegetation,  to  be 
eaten  and  re-eaten,  again  and  again. 

Midgard,  serpent,  signifies  unbroken  contin 
uity,  in  which  life  and  death  are  in  constant  con 
flict,  and  is:  the  air  and  the  equator.  Odin,  the 


154  The  False  and  the  True. 


Year  God,  is  said  to  be  a  one-eyed,  mighty  god  in 
peace  and  valor.  He  has  two  ravens — Hugi  and 
Muni — sitting  on  his  shoulders,  who  fly  out  over 
the  universe — Genungagap — every  day  and  re 
turn  and  whisper  in  his  ears  what  transpires — 
thought  and  memory.  He  is  the  creator,  sun 
light,  the  great  cycle's  god.  Thor,  as  thunder 
and  lightning  god,  is  the  Reformer,  and  the 
great  warrior  and  slayer  of  the  giants.  He  has 
a  hammer,  a  glove  and  a  belt.  When  clothed 
with  these  he  is  irresistible.  The  hammer,  the 
oldest  cross  known,  is  composed  of  three  cubes — 
Odin,  Vili  and  Ve;  one  often  sharpened  to  a  tri 
angle.  The  center  cube  has  a  handle  mortised 
into  it  which  is  twice  as  long  as  the  hammer; 
signifying  the  stages  through  which  physical 
life  must  pass:  The  mineral,  vegetable  and 
animal.  The  handle— seed,  soul,  physical  death 
and  immortality.  The  belt  is  time,  the  glove  is 
intellect  and  application. 

Loke — Darkness — is  bound  by  the  chains  of 
summer.  Sigyn,  his  wife — moonlight — guards 
over  him,  and  catches  the  acrid  poison,  the  dewr, 
in  a  cup.  That  is,  she  catches  the  dew  and  thus 
sends  night  frosts  during  fall-time,  destroying 
the  tender  vegetation  and  crops. 


Corroborative  Comment.  155 


What  is  true  of  the  Odinic  cult-lore  is  true  of 
all  the  other  religious  cult-lores,  as  the  charts 
herein  will  plainly  show,  for  one  is  but  a  slightly 
divergent  copy  of  the  other. 


GRAVE,    HELL    AND    RESURRECTION 

111  the  grave  three  days  and  nights 
The  Savior  of  man  was  laid, 
And  to  victorious  Hell 
The  whole  debt  for  all  life  paid; 
For  over  death  he  conquered 
And  regained  his  life  again; 
And  went  from  thence  to  glory, 
For  a  short  time  to  remain. 

After  three  Moon  cycles,  death 
Is  in  Ragnarok  supreme 
Three  days — then  the  gods  arise, 
Their  full  power  to  redeem. 
At  each  creation's  morning 
The  vict'ry  is  more  complete; 
And  with  each  yearly  gleaming 
Frost  and  darkness  must  retreat. 


156  The   False  and  the  True. 


Until  creation's  summer, 
When  the  heavens  and  the  earth 
Are  transformed  into  new  beauty, 
Where  is  naught  but  joy  and  mirth. 
A  heaven  on  earth,  most  glorious, 
Do  the  risen  gods  create. 
And  Hela  returns  her  victims 
To  Balder  in  glory  sate. 

There  to  discover  that  all 
He  loves  are  likewise  there, 
In  form  the  same,  in  beauty 
They  are  thousand-fold  more  fair. 
Old,  trusted  friends,  and  cherished, 
Greet  each  other  there,  anew, 
Relating  scenes  of  Asgard, 
What  they  did  in  Midgard  do. 

These  are  God  and  Bible  dramas 
Of  life-causes  upon  earth; 
For  each  year  a  year-god  dies, 
In  three  days  returns,  through  birth. 
The  Sun  of  Suns,  All-Father, 
Has  ordained  and  so  decreed, 
That  spring  shall  follow  winter, 
Hela's  power  to  recede. 


Corroborate  Comment.  157 

For  the  gods  so  loved  the  world, 
That  they  gave  to  her  the  sun, 
That  who  in  his  light  abides 
An  immortal  course  shall  run. 
What  sunlight  is  for  earth-life 
The  soul-ego  is  for  man; 
He  is  his  saving  glory, 
And  does  evil  from  him  ban. 

These  parts  are  in  life's  drama, 
And  the  actors  are  each  one 
Who  enters  into  earth-life. 
Which  in  cycles  also  run; 
And  through  the  cycle's  seasons, 
On  the  earth,  on  moon  and  sun, 
Of  each,  when  in  parts  quartered, 
Hela's  portion  is  still  one. 

IF    A    MAX    DIE,    SHALL    HE    LIVE    AGAIN  ? 

Death's  dreary  mantle,  winter, 
Some  time  over  us  shall  lie, 
Yet  cannot  hide  us  always, 
For  the  soul  can  never  die! 
When  man  by  death  is  conquered, 
And  we  lay  the  corse  away, 
When  darkness  seems  the  master 
Holding  us  in  regal  sway; 


158  The  False  and  ike   True. 


When  friends  are  bowed  in  anguish, 
And  the  world  seems  full  of  gloom, 
When  life  has  lost  its  brightness 
In  the  shadow  of  the  tomb, 
Then  know:    Spring  follows  winter, 
And  summer  shall  come  again; 
That  the  soul  lives  in  glory, 
And  shall  greater  glories  gain. 

That  the  loved  form  which  you  lay 
In  dark,  dreary,  death  abodes 
Contains  no  more  your  lost  friend, 
But  his  worn  and  cast-off  clothes. 
And  yet,  even  these  shall  rise 
Into  other  forms  again; 
The  cell-spirit  never  dies 
Nor  from  active  work  refrain. 

Know:    That  the  soul  is  victor 

O'er  matter  of  every  kind! 

Here  we  may  not  his  glory  see, 

Whilst  with  mortal  form  combined, 

For  the  physical  does  die, 

And  its  earth  returns  to  earth, 

But  the  spirit  is  set  free, 

And  through  death  receives  new  birth 


Corroborative  Comment.  159 

And  the  soul  resumes  his  station 
In  the  heavenly  mansions  grand, 
Where  his  true  unfoldments  lead  him, 
In  the  bright,  bright  summerland; 
But  may  return  to  earth-life 
When  creation's  spring  shalt  come. 
In  the  meanwhile  we  shall  meet  them 
In  that  blessed  heavenly  home. 


During  the  winter  of  1883-4  the  writer  was 
visiting  friends  in  Bigstone  City,  Dakota.  In 
company  with  James  Manley,  Geo.  P.  Hallock, 
and  families,  we  tried  who  could  be  thrown  into 
an  hypnotic  state  the  soonest. 

Mrs.  Mary  Hallock  became  affected  the  first, 
passing  through  the  various  hypnotic  stages, 
obeying  the  will  of  the  operator  completely. 
Finally  she  entered  the  interior  state,  known  as 
the  independent  stage,  for  she  seemed  no  longer 
a  subject  of  the  operator. 

While  in  this  state  she  visited  many  places 
and  described  many  things  to  us,  of  which  we 
then  had  no  knowledge,  but  which,  on  investiga 
tion,  proved  to  be  correct. 


160  The  False  and  the  True. 

Among  other  things  she  described  was  a  series 
of  tableau  scenes  we  may  well  call:  Life's 
Pathway  From  the  Cradle  to  the  Tomb,  which 
we  have  set  to  verse  as  nearly  as  she  described 
the  same.  As  these  scenes  were  related  for  our 
special  benefit,  we  take  the  liberty  of  putting  it 
in  here. 

When  awakened  from  her  trance  the  mind 
seemed  blank.  She  knew  nothing  of  what  had 
transpired;  but  on  being  put  into  that  state  again 
and  commanded  to  remember  what  she  had  done, 
said  or  seen  while  in  the  previous  trance,  on 
awakening  she  was  simply  amazed,  declaring 
that  state  to  be  the  most  glorious  experience  in 
her  life. 

The  scene  was  exhibited  by  a  person  who 
called  himself  Doctor  Marlett,  or  something  like 
that,  whom  she  afterwards  personated.  This  in 
dividual  was  unseen  to  the  rest  of  the  party,  yet 
claimed  his  own  personality,  and  that  he  lived 
and  labored  upon  earth  several  centuries  ago. 

This  case  is  a  peculiar  one,  because  it  occurred 
while  in  a  mesmeric  or  hypnotic  trance. 


From  the  Cradle  to  the    Tomb.  161 


tIFE'J      PATHWAY      FROM      THE 
CRADLE    TO    THE    TOMB. 

A  person  robed  in  purest  white 

Came,  one  night,  in  my  dream, 

With  soothing  voice,  like  ripples  light, 

From  Heav'nly  realms  he  seemed, 

Saying:    "O  Sleeper!     Wouldst  thou  know 

Life's  pathway  thou  must  tread, 

As  from  cradle  to  the  grave  dost  go, 

But  of  it  have  no  dread?" 

And  then  a  scene  I  saw  arise 
Wherein  two  babies  sleep; 
And — fairy-like,  each  baby  lies — 
For  joy  two  mothers  weep, 
Each  kneeling  b}T  her  darling  fair, 
And  thought  her  babe  a  pearl, 
Smoothing  gently  the  silken  hair 
Of  a  boy  and  a  girl. 

"Sleep  in  bliss,  babes,"  the  stranger  said; 
" Life's  thorns  may  sting  your  feet; 
Dream  sweetly  in  each  cradle  bed, 
And  may  no  storms  you  beat." 
I,  gazing  at  the  scene  so  fair, 
Thought:    "There  can  be  but  flowers 


I  62 


The  False  and  the    True. 


And  sunshine  for  this  charming  pair, 
And  none  of  life's  hard  showers." 


i'  0jrsi&T^^uza*f*mWg&3*m^ 
The  scene  grew  dim,  the  stranger  said, 
As  he  gently  brought  to  view 
A  charming  picture  in  its  stead: 


Prom  the  Cradle  to  the  Tomb.  163 


"This  is  of  life  more  true." 
Two  lovely  children  are  at  play — 
Their  books  and  slates  aside — 
Spending  in  mirth  their  holiday 
In  meadows  green  and  wide. 

They  chase  each  other  o'er  the  lea, 

And  both  so  happy  are. 

They  gather  flowers  fair  to  see, 

No  troubles  do  them  mar. 

The  stranger  said:    "  'Tis  life's  fair  morn 

For  this  bright  girl  and  boy; 

May  roses  grow  without  a  thorn, 

And  their  lives  be  but  joy." 

He  changed  this  youthful,  pleasing  scene 

To  the  moon's  soften'd  light. 

'Twas  charming  as  a  poet's  dream 

In  a  bright,  starry  night. 

Under  a  shade-tree's  spreading  boughs 

Two  youths  with  sparkling  eyes 

Were  pledging  there  in  love  their  vows, 

By  their  heart-yearning  sighs. 

"O  happy  boy  and  girl!"  I  cried. 
"Your  cups  are  filled  with  love! 


164 


The  False  and  the   True. 


What  can  you  ask  on  earth  beside? 

Your  hope-stars  shine  above." 

The  stranger's  face  looked  touched  and  sad, 

"May  no  grief  bow  their  heads! 

But  with  each  good  there  comes  some  bad 

For  one  who  life's-road  treads." 

Then  to  a  rural  scene  we  go, 

With  cottage,  farm  and  field, 

Where  wheat  and  corn  in  plenty  grow, 

With  promise  of  great  yield. 

The  youth  and  maid  are  married  now, 

And  charmed  by  a  loved  child; 

They  under  toil's  burdens  bow, 

With  cheerful  looks  so  mild. 


He  changed  the  scene — long  years  have  fled- 
To  a  dreary,  silent  morn, 


From  the  Cradle  to  the  Tomb.  165 

Where  two  parents  weep  o'er  their  dead — 

Heart-rending  and  forlorn. 

The  only  sound  within  that  room 

Conies  from  some  broken  heart. 

The  intense  anguish  and  the  gloom, 

Tears  heart  and  soul  apart. 

He,  weeping,  sobbing,  turned  his  face. 

"  'Tis  part  of  life,"  he  said; 

"Earth  is  a  mirth  and  mourning  place — 

The  dead  are  still  not  dead! 

The}^  are  not  even  sleeping  there, 

But  oft  stand  by  and  hear 

The  mourners'  cries,  and  try  to  bear 

Their  anguish  and  their  fear." 

He  forthwith  wiped  his  tears  away, 

Brushed  back  his  flaxen  hair, 

And  changed  the  scene  to  brightest  day, 

Which  spellbound  held  me  there. 

Two  aged  ones,  with  care  much  bent, 

Came  walking,  hand  in  hand, 

With  hopeful  smiles,  from  Heaven  lent, 

Bound  for  a  better  land. 

The}7  from  the  strand  a  fairer  clime 
View  across  Death  river, 


1 66  The  False  and  the   True. 

And  longingly  abide  the  time 
For  their  passing  over. 
At  last  the  boatman  comes  in  view, 
His  back  is  turned  with  tide, 
And  in  his  boat  he  takes  the  two 
Safe  to  the  other  side. 

The  misty  veil  which  hangs  between 

Here  and  that  blissful  land 

Is  cleared  away — now  can  be  seen 

Heaven's  immortal  strand. 

Such  hearty  welcome  which  they  meet, 

Before  I  never  saw. 

Their  long-lost  friends,  with  joy,  them  greet, 

And  in  communion  draw. 

"Tell  me,  kind  stranger,  what  this  means? 

Have  I  a  vision  seen? 

Or  are  these  only  empty  dreams, 

Which  leave  me  thus  serene?" 

uThis  is  the  path  of  life  for  man 

From  cradle  to  the  tomb. 

These  are  the  children  who  once  ran 

Sporting  in  life's  forenoon." 

"They  are  now  gray  and  old,  from  care, 
For  roses  oft  have  thorns; 


Santa   Claus  167 


Each  one  has  burdens  hard  to  bear, 

The  hardest  he  who  mourns. 

Death  takes  them  to  life's  other  strand, 

On  Heaven's  blissful  shore, 

Where  the  sun  in  the  Spirit  land 

Shines  brighter  evermore." 

Then  brighter,  brighter,  grew  the  goal 

Of  Heaven's  peaceful  land. 

Nearer,  nearer,  it  drew  my  soul 

To  that  charmed,  blissful  band; 

Until  he  in  a  misty  cloud 

Dissolved  and  disappeared, 

And  all  vanished.     With  head  bowed, 

Back  to  the  earth  I  neared. 


iANTA   CLAUi:    Hli  CAUiE  AND 
ORIGIN    EXPLAINED. 

Thou  Santa  Claus  of  Christmas  time, 

Who  dost  not  think  of  thee? 

Thou  art  the  theme  for  many  rhyme 

Around  the  Christmas  tree. 

The}7  say  thou  art,  and  yet,  art  not; 

And,  Santa  Claus,  thou  still — 


The  False  and  the  True. 


Or  some  one  else  gav'st  what  we  got — 
Didst  our  stockings  fill! 

Who  art  thou?     And  where  com'st  thou  from? 

What  is  thy  pedigree? 

From  whence  dost  all  thy  presents  come 

We  every  Christmas  see? 

Why  dost  not  come  some  other  day, 

But  just  on  Christmas  eve? 

Why  dost  not  come  in  March  or  May, 

And  then  your  presents  leave? 


Sa  n  ta   Cla us.  169 


-  say  them  ridest  reindeer  train 
From  the  cold,  polar  ice; 
And  thy  span  to  the  chimneys  chain, 
Thence  bringest  thy  surprise. 
We  cannot  see  how  thou  com'st  down 
There  with  thy  bulky  load. 
Perhaps  thou  leavest  goods  in  town, 
And  cometh  by  the  road. 

Nor  can  we  see  how  thou  canst  be, 

Throughout  the  entire  world, 

At  ever}'  place  on  Christmas  eve. 

Art  thou  by  lightning  hurled? 

These  are  the  questions  asked  each  year, 

By  young,  and  by  some  old. 

"Why  tell  such  nonsense,  just  to  cheer, 

When  a  real  falsehood  told?" 

Asks  he  who  finds  his  gifts  have  come 
From  toil,  and  suff 'ring,  too; 
And  he  who  is  without  a  home, 
Scarce  knowing  what  to  do, 
Whose  morsels  are  by  sorrow  spread, 
From  no  fault  of  his  own; 
Whom  accident,  or  fate,  has  led 
On  paths  by  life-thorns  grown. 


iyo  The  False  and  the  2'nie. 


We  say  to  each  and  every  one, 

To  aged  and  to  youth, 

Santa  Clans  is  a  legend  come 

From  Nature's  solid  truth. 

We  do  proclaim  :    He  lives,  and  still, 

By  chimney  and  by  road, 

Dost  all  thy  wants  and  pleasures  fill 

From  his  benignant  load. 

He  is  an  old  and  pleasant  chap, 
With  pockets  full  of  gifts. 
He  gives  the  harvest,  and  the  chaff 
From  yonr  own  life-grain  sifts. 
In  legend  he,  in  each  cult-lore, 
Is  known  by  his  own  name. 
Where'er  we  go  He  is  before, 
Though  not  pronounced  the  same. 

Some  call  him  Allah,  and  some  God, 
All-Father,  and  the  Sun. 
Whatever  name  they  choose  to  laud, 
He  is  the  self-same  one. 
In  all  lands  is  a  custom  old, 
When  death  occurs,  to  take 
Of  his  left  property,  and  hold 
A  burial  feast  and  wake. 


Santa  Claus.  171 


Old  cult-lores  teach  that  spirits  feast 

On  odors  from  the  food, 

Whilst  relatives  partake — at  least 

The  ghost  keeps  in  good  mood. 

So  think  the  Brahmin,  Moslem,  Jew 

And  Trim;  likewise  do 

The  Indians,  Chinese,  Esquimaux, 

And  even  Christians,  too. 

Then  the}7  an  inventory  take 
Of  chattels  and  wealth  left; 
Produce  of  air,  field,  wood  and  lake; 
All  owned  by  the  bereft. 
Each  heir  receives  thereof  his  part, 
And  in  it  pleasure  finds, 
Because  abundance  fills  the  heart, 
And  closely  to  it  binds. 

The  Year-God  dies  and  is  entombed, 

December  Twenty-first; 

To  give  his  Soul  light  in  the  gloom, 

And  his  death  prison  burst, 

The  Church  her  burial-rites  must  lave; 

Hence,  cattle,  hogs,  for  meat 

Are  slain,  and  bread  is  baked  to  save 

For  him  aromas  sweet. 


172  The  False  and  the  True. 

The  twenty-fourth  the  feast  runs  high, 

Until  the  midnight  hour, 

Then  slowly  to  its  close  draws  nigh 

The  pleasure-making  power. 

But  proclamation  carols  ring 

From  charming  angel  voices: 

"A  child  is  born!     A  God  and  King! 

All  life  now  rejoices!" 

Lo,  and  behold!     The  Sun  passed  o'er 

The  bright  solstitial  line, 

And  the  Gods  who  were  dead  before 

Are  now  re-born  to  time. 

The  wake's  solemn  festivity 

Ends  in  a  birthday  feast. 

Eight  days  in  his  nativity, 

And  the  year  is  released. 

The  year  is  born  and  goes  its  course, 
And  what  exists  does  grow. 
The  heirship  right  man  claims — by  force- 
Though  oft'  he  no  seeds  sow. 
We  must  by  fire  our  food  prepare; 
Melt  metal  from  the  rocks; 
Must  till  the  fields  and  roads  repair; 
Must  feed  and  tend  the  flocks. 


Santa    Oaus.  173 


We  plant  and  reap;  we  spin  and  weave; 

We  likewise  cut  and  sew; 

Bnt  to  produce  we  have  to  leave 

For  Nature's  God  to  do. 

He  comes  by  chimney,  low  and  tall, 

And  every  other  way: 

Thus,  Santa  Claus  gives  each  and  all, 

And  we  naught  to  him  pay. 

All  things  which  grow — we  only  tend — 

Comes  from  life  and  the  sun; 

We  have  but  to  assistance  lend, 

By  them  the  work  is  done. 

Each  is  a  child  of  Santa  Claus, 

And  an  heir  of  each  year. 

These  are  the  reasons  and  the  cause 

Why  Christmas  he  comes  near. 

We  creative  energies  behold — 

Remembering  we  receive, 

Give  others  some  of  what  we  hold 

'Most  every  Christmas  eve — 

Which  give  to  us,  concealing  source; 

And  to  this  lesson  learn, 

We  say  it  comes  by  Santa's  course, 

And  love  him  in  return. 


174  The  False  and  the   True. 


Christmas,  a  Pagan  harvest  feast, 

At  winter  solstice  line, 

All  cult-lores  keep,  and — we,  at  least — 

Keep  part  for  Easter  time. 

When  Nature  rises  from  the  grave, 

The  year  at  Christmas  laid, 

And  lavishly  her  verdure  lave 

With  flow'ry  perfume's  aid. 

She  in  her  beauty  rises  high — 

In  glory  almost  lost — 

Till  germ-formation  time  draws  nigh, 

Which  is  her  Pentecost; 

Then  with  the  Sun  to  Heav'n  ascends, 

With  offerings  of  her  fruit, 

And  to  its  charming  bliss  much  lends; 

Thus  proves  herself  astute. 

O  Nature's  Prince!     We  thanks  thee  pay; 

For  Santa  Clans  thou  brought; 

The  Year-Christ's  birth,  and  New  Year's  day; 

For  Easter  wonders  wrought, 

For  Pentecost,  Ascension,  too, 

And  thy  return  again; 

Thy  solemn  death,  and  for  gifts  new; 

And  thy  continued  reign. 


To  the  Reader.  175 


Now,  dear  reader,  we  thank  you  for  your  kind 
attention  and  patience  in  reading  this  volume. 
We  hope  you  will  study  it  closely  and  imbibe 
all  the  good  there  is  in  it. 

In  a  companion  volume,  which  we  are  now 
writing,  we  will  endeavor  to  show  how  the  tran 
sition  from  Paganism  to  Christianity  came  about, 
and  that  we  are  in  a  new  transition  period  in 
which  the  false  is  struggling  with  the  true  for 
mastery,  and  how  the  true  can  become  victorious, 
though  now  conquered  by  the  false.  What  name 
we  will  give  to  the  same  depends  upon  the  copy 
right  office. 


BERKELEY  LIBRARIES         , 


100135 


